Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to long-time rival Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain played his final game for the national team.
There wasn’t a dry eye at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday as Messi bid farewell to his 21-year international career. The 39-year-old scored his 126th international goal in his 208th appearance for Argentina as they beat Benin 3-0.
After the match, Messi took to social media to thank his fans and said he already missed wearing Argentina’s famous blue-and-white shirt. “Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white,” Messi wrote. “It was an incredible road, filled with joys and also some sorrows, but I'm clear that it was worth every step I took.”
Ronaldo, who shared one of football’s greatest individual rivalries with Messi for more than a decade, commented on the post, congratulating him on his remarkable international career.
“Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A big hug,” Ronaldo wrote.
Messi had announced his decision to retire from international football in August after helping Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final. Four years earlier, he led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, their first triumph in the competition since Diego Maradona inspired them to glory in 1986.
Messi was called up for one final international window, giving Argentina fans the chance to watch the legendary forward represent his country for the last time.
Messi’s emotional message after final Argentina game
Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white. I know I'm making the right decision. It was an incredible road, filled with joys and also some sorrows, but I'm clear that it was worth every step I took.
And I'm left with a lot to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post. This trip would have been impossible without my family, who always stood by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult times, when I needed it most.
My friends were also indispensable, all the colleagues and coaches I had, along with their technical staff. 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 being here with us and also from heaven, in every step we took.
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Thanks to the clubs I played in, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country when it was time to put on the national team shirt. And, of course, thank God: without His guidance and His will, we wouldn't even be dreaming of having come this far.
I am a grateful person. I love you so much, I will miss you and I will always thank you for being by our side, by my side.
