Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Lionel Messi After Argentina Farewell
Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstar played his final international match against Benin. Ronaldo praised Messi’s legacy with Argentina and said the history he created would last forever.
Cristiano Ronaldo has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine icon played his final match for the national team. Messi featured in Argentina’s farewell game against Benin on October 6, signing off from international football with a goal and two assists.
Following the match, Messi shared a lengthy Instagram post reflecting on his Argentina journey. The 39-year-old spoke about already missing the national-team jersey, thanked his family and teammates and reflected on the moment he decided it was time to move on.
Ronaldo responded to Messi’s post with a message acknowledging the remarkable legacy his long-time rival has created with Argentina.
“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 exchange offered another reminder of the mutual respect between two players whose rivalry dominated world football for more than a decade.
Ronaldo and Messi repeatedly competed for the sport’s biggest individual honours, while their rivalry became even more intense during their Real Madrid and Barcelona years. Their battles in El Clasico helped turn the fixture into one of football’s biggest spectacles.
Despite the fierce competition, the pair have consistently shown respect for each other away from the pitch. Ronaldo had also recently offered his support to Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Internationally, Ronaldo and Messi faced each other twice, with each player’s team winning once.
The era-defining rivalry may have produced countless comparisons, but Ronaldo’s latest message suggests one thing is unlikely to fade: the respect between two football legends.
