Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi on Wednesday after the Argentina captain’s international farewell. He praised Messi’s achievements in an Instagram comment.
“I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina,” Ronaldo wrote.
In the same message, he told Messi that his years representing Argentina had created a history that would endure. He signed off by sending his longtime rival a hug.
Messi, 39, ended his 21-year international career in Tuesday’s 3-0 friendly victory over Benin. He scored once and supplied two assists at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, where more than 85,000 supporters attended his farewell.
Writing on Instagram the following day, Messi admitted that he already missed wearing Argentina’s blue and white shirt. But he remained convinced that retirement was the right decision.
He described a journey that had brought both happiness and sadness, adding that every step had been worthwhile. His message thanked supporters for standing alongside him and the national team throughout those years.
Messi paid particular attention to the clubs that had supported his international commitments. He thanked them for respecting his feelings and allowing him to represent Argentina whenever national-team duty called.
Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Can Rejoin Portugal Squad, Says Coach Jesus
The Inter Miami playmaker remembered Diego Maradona’s contribution to Argentine football. Messi wrote that Maradona had helped the team during his lifetime and that he believed his support continued after death.
Ronaldo, 41, and Messi have spent much of their careers competing for recognition as their generation’s leading player.
Read: Lionel Messi Ends Argentina Career With 3-0 Benin Win
Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024. He helped the team win the 2022 Finalissima.
(With additional input from Reuters)
