Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has praised his long-time rival Lionel Messi after the Argentine announced his international retirement. On Wednesday, Messi played his last match for Argentina, scoring a goal and assisting two in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The match was attended by over 85,000 fans and turned into a celebration of Messi's 21-year international career.
Ronaldo took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with Messi, saying that he has created history that will last forever. He expressed his utmost respect for Messi's achievements with Argentina and wished him well. Messi, who is 39 years old, had previously announced his international retirement, citing a desire to step away from the game at the right time.
In his farewell message, Messi reflected on his incredible journey with Argentina, describing it as a "dream come true." He recalled his experiences, both joyful and difficult, and expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support. Messi also paid tribute to Diego Maradona, the legendary Argentine footballer who inspired him throughout his career.
Messi's international career was marked by numerous successes, including the 2022 World Cup title, two Copa America titles, and the 2022 Finalissima. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his retirement has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the football community. Ronaldo's message was one of many that Messi received from fellow players, fans, and football personalities.
Interestingly, Ronaldo's praise for Messi comes at a time when he is reportedly at odds with his Portugal coach, Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the Portugal camp during the international break, sparking speculation about his future with the team. Despite this, Ronaldo's message to Messi was seen as a classy gesture, highlighting the respect and admiration that exists between two of football's greatest stars.
Messi's decision to retire from international football was met with sadness from fans and teammates alike. He has been an integral part of Argentina's success in recent years and will be deeply missed on the international stage. However, Messi's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers, and his achievements will be remembered for years to come.
The response to Messi's retirement and Ronaldo's message has been overwhelming, with fans and football personalities taking to social media to share their thoughts and memories of Messi's incredible career. As the football world bids farewell to one of its greatest stars, Ronaldo's praise for Messi serves as a reminder of the respect and admiration that exists among players, even rivals.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo praises Lionel Messi after his international retirement
- Messi ends his 21-year international career with Argentina
- Ronaldo and Messi have a long history of rivalry on and off the pitch
