Ronaldo pays tribute to Messi, a story that will endure forever

The longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo saluted on Instagram Lionel Messi's farewell message, posted after his last match with the Argentine national team, highlighting « Léo, so many years defending your country and a story that will remain forever ». The Portuguese footballer expressed his full respect.

Messi concludes his international career

On Tuesday evening, Lionel Messi played his 208ᵉ and final match for Argentina, a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. At thirty‑nine years old, he finished with one hundred twenty‑six goals and sixty‑seven assists for the national team.

In his Instagram post, he wrote: « I played my last match yesterday and I already miss wearing the sky‑blue and white shirt ». He added that the decision was the right one, recalling an “incredible journey, filled with joys and also sorrows.”

Messi thanked his family, friends, teammates and the clubs that have always respected his feelings. He also paid tribute to Diego Maradona, stating « I do not want to forget Diego, who placed our country where it deserved to be ».

His contract with Inter Miami runs until 2028, but he has not set a specific date for his retirement from football.

Ronaldo pays tribute to his eternal rival

That same evening, Cristiano Ronaldo commented on Messi’s post: « Léo, so many years defending your country and a story that will remain forever ». He continued: « All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. I send you a hug ».

In the Dutch version of the same message, he wrote: "Leo, so many years in the service of your country and a legacy that will live on forever. I have the greatest respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A big hug".

Reactions and other notable facts

Messi’s post quickly reached two hundred thousand reactions on Instagram, among which Ronaldo’s comment was highly noted. The article also mentions the FIFA World Cup, the backdrop of Messi’s international career. In the same hours, the Red Flames suffered a defeat in the first stage of the futsal Euro.