Cristiano Ronaldo has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar's farewell to international football. Ronaldo praised Messi for the years he spent representing Argentina and said the story he created with his country "will live on forever." This tribute adds another memorable chapter to the extraordinary rivalry between two players who dominated world football for more than a decade.
Messi ended his international career with a goal and two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists in his 208th and final appearance for the national team. The match was attended by over 85,000 fans, who witnessed a fitting final performance from the Argentine captain.
Ronaldo's message to Messi highlights the significance of the Argentine's years wearing the national-team shirt. "Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will live on forever," Ronaldo wrote. "You have all my respect for everything you've achieved with Argentina. A hug." The message carries particular weight due to the extraordinary history shared by the two football icons.
For more than a decade, Messi and Ronaldo were at the centre of one of the greatest individual rivalries the sport has ever witnessed. Their rivalry was most intense during their years in Spain, when Messi represented Barcelona and Ronaldo played for Real Madrid. Their battles in El Clásico, as well as their competition for the Ballon d'Or and other individual awards, helped define an era of football.
Messi's relationship with the Argentina national team was not always straightforward. After establishing himself as one of the world's greatest players at club level, he endured years of criticism whenever Argentina fell short at major tournaments. However, his persistence ultimately transformed his international legacy, culminating in major international success, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Messi's final appearance provided an appropriately memorable conclusion to his international career. He created Argentina's opening goal for Nicolás Otamendi before setting up Nico Paz for the second. In the 71st minute, he stepped up to convert a penalty and score his 126th international goal, making him both the country's most-capped player and its all-time leading goalscorer.
Ronaldo's message to Messi offers a reminder of the respect that exists beyond the rivalry between the two players. Their careers were measured against each other through goals, trophies, records, and individual awards, but Ronaldo's words acknowledge the impact Messi had on Argentine football. Messi's international career may be over, but his football career continues at club level, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo praises Lionel Messi for his long service to Argentina and the legacy he leaves behind.
- Messi ends his international career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin.
- Ronaldo's message to Messi highlights the respect between the two players beyond their rivalry.
