Cristiano Ronaldo put aside one of football’s most enduring rivalries to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine bid an emotional farewell to international football.Messi, 39, made his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday, signing off in style as he scored once and created two goals in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. More than 85,000 fans were present as Argentina celebrated the end of his remarkable 21-year international career.Following the match, Messi took to Instagram to reflect on his journey with the national team and admitted that he was already missing the feeling of representing Argentina in the famous blue and white shirt.“Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I’m making the right decision,” Messi said in a lengthy Instagram post. “It’s been an incredible journey, full of joy and also some sadness, but I know for sure that every step I took was worth it…“I don’t want to forget Diego (Maradona), who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know helped us both by being here with us and also from heaven, with every step we took.“Thank you to the clubs where I played, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever it was time to put on the national team jersey…”Messi’s international career included Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and victory in the 2022 Finalissima.“I am grateful. I love you all very much; I’m going to miss you, and I will always thank you for having been by our side, by my side,” the Inter Miami playmaker added.Among those to respond to Messi’s farewell message was Ronaldo, his long-time rival in the debate over the greatest player of their generation. Despite their careers being defined by competition for individual and team honours, the Portugal captain offered a warm tribute to the Argentine.
Ronaldo’s message to Lionel Messi after international retirement
“Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you’ve made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina. A hug,” Ronaldo said.Ronaldo, 41, has himself been in the spotlight with Portugal after becoming embroiled in a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus following his abrupt departure from the national team’s training camp.For Messi, however, the international chapter ended with a memorable night in front of a packed Monumental, bringing an emotional close to more than two decades of representing Argentina.
