Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to longtime rival Lionel Messi after the Argentine icon played his final match for the national team, hailing the years he spent representing his country and describing his legacy as one that will last forever.
Messi signed off from international football in memorable fashion, scoring once and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. The match was billed as Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, bringing an emotional end to a remarkable international career.
Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts to Lionel Messi’s Farewell
Following the match, Messi shared an emotional message on social media, reflecting on his international journey and thanking his family, teammates, coaches and supporters.
Ronaldo responded to the post in the comments section, paying tribute to his longtime competitor.
“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 hug,” Ronaldo wrote.
The message added another chapter to the long-running rivalry between the two football legends, who spent years competing for the biggest individual and team honours in the sport.
Lionel Messi Shares Emotional Message After Farewell
Messi admitted that he was already missing the feeling of wearing Argentina’s famous blue and white jersey.
“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,” Messi wrote.
The Argentina captain also thanked his family for standing by him throughout his career, particularly during the difficult moments.
“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,” he added.
Messi also thanked his friends, teammates, coaches and their respective support staff before remembering the late Diego Maradona, who played a significant role in Argentina’s football history.
“I don’t want to forget Diego, who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know that he helped us be here with us and also from heaven, in every step we took,” Messi said.
Lionel Messi’s Remarkable Argentina Career
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer, having made 208 appearances and scored 126 goals for the national team.
His Argentina career included two Copa America titles, in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar. He also played a key role in Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.
Messi’s international career has been defined by a series of historic achievements, including finally ending Argentina’s long wait for a major international trophy at the 2021 Copa America before leading the team to World Cup glory the following year.
While his international chapter has come to an end, Messi continues to play club football for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).
For Ronaldo, meanwhile, the tribute to Messi underlined the respect that has developed between two players whose rivalry defined an era of world football.
