'Hard-Working' Labrador Retriever Treated to a Tennis Ball Shower at His TSA Retirement Party

A yellow Labrador retriever in Virginia is ready for a life of relaxation!

Messi, who had worked with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a passenger screening canine and explosive detection dog at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, retired on Friday, April 19, the TSA announced in a press release.

"He was clearly born to work for TSA because he enjoys watching airplanes and playing in the grass at nearby Gravelly Point," the statement said. "Messi is a lovable and hard-working dog who has enjoyed playing with a tennis ball after a busy day sniffing for any traces of explosives at the airport. Now he doesn't have to wait to play with his favorite toy."

When Messi's shift ended on Friday, the dog received a surprise retirement party to celebrate his years of keeping travelers safe. The TSA shared a peek at Messi's retirement shindig on X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, the Lab turns a corner with one of his handlers and finds a "Congrats!" banner. Then the pooch enjoys a rain of tennis balls.

The TSA captioned the adorable clip, "TSA passenger screening canine Messi alerts on his last bag before retiring. And then he is showered with dozens of his favorite toys as his retirement celebration kicks off."

Per CBS affiliate WUSA 9, a training device was hidden in a large room for Messi to find with his handler, Peter, before the party started. When the 8-year-old dog found the device, a shower of tennis balls fell from the ceiling.

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During the party, Peter removed Messi's "Do Not Pet" patch to signify that he was off duty forever and could happily accept all the belly rubs he wanted from now on.

According to the statement, Peter is adopting Messi, so the duo will stay together. Peter is also shifting his duties from canine handler to canine trainer at the TSA.

Messi is retiring as a famous canine. He was featured on a free downloadable TSA canine calendar for the month of February.