Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly paid tribute to longtime rival Lionel Messi following the Argentine's emotional farewell from international football. Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday night, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The occasion was described by Messi as "the saddest day of my career" after more than two decades representing his country.
In a comment on Messi's Instagram post marking the end of his international journey on Wednesday, Ronaldo wrote a message of respect to the Argentine icon. The Portuguese star's words were widely reported on Wednesday, including by Spanish newspaper Marca. The message highlighted the mutual respect that has long existed between the two icons despite their intense on-pitch rivalry spanning more than 15 years.
Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in late August, shortly after the side's 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain. He cited the emotional and physical toll of the tournament, which coincided with the illness and subsequent death of his father, Jorge Messi, as factors in his decision. This decision marked the end of an era for Argentine football, with Messi having captained the team to several titles.
Throughout his career with Argentina, Messi achieved remarkable success, finishing his international career with a record 208 appearances and 126 goals. Notably, he captained the team to the 2022 World Cup title as well as Copa América successes. His contributions to Argentine football have been widely celebrated, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of players.
Ronaldo and Messi have frequently exchanged words of admiration in recent years. Their latest exchange comes as both players, now in the later stages of their careers, continue to draw global attention. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami, while Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr. The tribute from Ronaldo underscores a shared recognition of extraordinary careers defined by excellence, longevity, and national service.
The respect between Ronaldo and Messi extends beyond their on-pitch rivalry. They have consistently shown mutual admiration, including when Ronaldo offered a message of support after the death of Messi's father earlier this year. This latest exchange highlights the enduring respect and appreciation between two of football's greatest icons.
As Messi and Ronaldo near the end of their playing careers, their legacies continue to be celebrated globally. Their contributions to football have been immense, with both players widely regarded as among the greatest in the sport's history. The tribute from Ronaldo to Messi serves as a testament to their enduring impact on the game and their mutual respect for one another's achievements.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo publicly paid tribute to Lionel Messi following his farewell from international football.
- Messi ended his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina.
- Ronaldo and Messi have consistently exchanged words of admiration, showcasing their mutual respect despite their on-pitch rivalry.
