Ronaldo honors Messi after emotional farewell gala with a heartfelt greeting
One day after his final gala for the Argentine national team, the 39‑year‑old superstar Lionel Messi posted a farewell message on Instagram that received more than 4 million likes in a short time. His long‑time rival Cristiano Ronaldo (41) responded with an emotional message.
Messi's tribute to Maradona and his journey
In the post, the 39‑year‑old Messi recalls Diego Maradona and emphasizes: “I do not want to forget Diego, who brought our country to where it belongs, and who, as I always say, helped us at every step we have taken, both here on the ground and from the heavens.” The sentence contains the word “journey,” which he describes as “an incredible journey, full of joys but also some sad moments.”
Ronaldo honors Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, wrote under Messi’s post: “Leo, for so many years you have defended your country and written a story that will be remembered forever. My full respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.” With this, he publicly expressed his appreciation for the superstar.
Messi also mentioned that he was coached by Maradona at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa; the quarter‑final ended with a 0‑4 defeat to Germany. Maradona had led Argentina to the world‑championship title in 1986 in Mexico, while Messi won the title in 2022 in Qatar, but lost the 2022 final in the USA 0‑1 to Spain.
His final appearance for the national team was a friendly against Benin, which Argentina won 3‑0. Messi scored one goal and provided two assists before he finally hung up the sky‑blue and white jersey.
The Instagram post was liked and commented on millions of times, with, besides Ronaldo, other football legends such as Raúl González sending their congratulations. The reactions highlight the significance of Messi’s farewell for the football world.
The contrast between Messi’s celebrated departure and Ronaldo’s open future in the Portuguese national team underscores that respect and rivalry in football can go hand in hand.