Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo put one of football’s most famous rivalries aside on Wednesday to pay tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine’s emotional farewell from international football.
Messi, 39, made his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday, delivering another memorable performance in the team’s blue and white shirt during a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.
Playing in front of more than 85,000 fans, Messi scored one goal and provided two assists as Argentina celebrated the end of his 21-year international career.
Messi says he already misses Argentina
Following the match, Messi said he already missed representing his country but remained convinced that retiring from international football was the right decision.
In a lengthy Instagram post, the Inter Miami forward reflected on his career with Argentina and thanked the supporters, clubs and teammates who had accompanied him throughout his international journey.
Messi also paid tribute to Argentina legend Diego Maradona, saying he would never forget the role Maradona played in the country’s football history.
The Argentine captain leaves the national team after a highly successful period that included victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
He also helped Argentina win the 2022 Finalissima.
Messi expressed gratitude to everyone who had supported him and said he would miss sharing the journey with his country and its supporters.
Ronaldo praises Messi’s legacy
Messi and Ronaldo have been at the centre of one of football’s defining individual rivalries for more than a decade, with both players frequently compared in debates over the greatest footballer of their generation.
Despite that rivalry, Ronaldo responded warmly to Messi’s farewell message.
“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 wrote.
The message came from Ronaldo, 41, as he continues his own international career with Portugal.
Messi’s farewell marks the end of a remarkable chapter in international football, while Ronaldo remains active on the international stage.
Ronaldo faces Portugal controversy
Ronaldo is also dealing with a separate issue involving Portugal coach Jorge Jesus following his abrupt departure from the national team’s training camp.
The dispute has added uncertainty around the veteran forward’s current relationship with the Portugal setup as he continues to represent his country.
For Messi, however, the latest appearance brought an emotional conclusion to his international career, with Argentina supporters gathering to celebrate a player who delivered some of the most significant moments in the country’s football history.
