Story By: Alex Cope, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport

Dani Alves has posted an emotional message to former Barcelona teammate and friend Lionel Messi after the Brazilian helped inspire his country to victory over Argentina in the Copa America semi-final.

The Brazilian defender, 26, who starred in his country’s Copa America semi-final win over Messi’s Argentina, posted a photo of the pair embracing.

He wrote in the caption: “A lot of the time football is about winning, a lot of the time about losing, however, affection will never cease to exist, neither will the respect, admiration and connection for those who helped you put food in my house, in my loved ones’ houses. The gratitude for those who helped you put your name in the history of football will never cease to exist.

Picture Credit: Golders

“People’s greatness isn’t only measured by what they represent in their country or the feelings they evoke in their profession. A lot of the time, it’s about what is behind all of that.”

Alves went on: “Thank you for forming part of my life and it’s always a great honour to have you close again brother, even if were are separated by a shirt, we are connected by our essence!”

Alves and Messi were teammates for eight seasons at Barcelona, forming a partnership down the Spanish giant’s right flank. Alves is one of the most decorated footballers of all time and won six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns in his time with Barcelona.

He is currently a free agent.

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