Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar’s farewell from international football.
Messi brought the curtain down on a remarkable 21-year international career after helping Argentina defeat the Benin Republic 3-0 in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old marked the occasion with a goal and two assists in his final appearance for the Albiceleste.
Following Messi’s emotional farewell message on social media, Ronaldo responded with a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging the legacy his longtime rival leaves behind with Argentina.
“Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will live on forever. You have all my respect for everything you’ve achieved with Argentina. A hug,” Ronaldo wrote.
The message adds another memorable chapter to one of the greatest rivalries in football history.
For more than a decade, Ronaldo and Messi dominated world football, battling for major honours while representing Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, and establishing themselves among the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
While their rivalry defined an era, Ronaldo’s message highlighted the mutual admiration and respect that has existed between the two icons despite years of intense competition.
Messi retires as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, ending his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals.
Ronaldo’s tribute quickly attracted widespread attention from football fans around the world, who have long celebrated the extraordinary careers of two players who shaped a generation of the game.
