Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a tribute to Lionel Messi, who just played an emotional farewell match for Argentina. The gesture marked a rare moment in which the two long-time rivals offered each other public respect.
Responding to Messi's social media post on Wednesday, Ronaldo wrote: "Leo, after all those years defending your national shirt, you have made history that will last forever. I have enormous respect for what you achieved with Argentina. A hug."
A day earlier, Messi played his final match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, before 85,000 spectators. The 39-year-old captain scored the goal that sealed a 3-0 win and set up the other two, bringing a storied international career to a close.
Messi announced his retirement from the national team after leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final in the United States, where they finished as runners-up behind Spain. In a farewell letter, he said: "Yesterday was my last match, and I already miss the blue-and-white shirt. I know I am making the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of joy and also sadness, but I am certain that every step was worthwhile."
He did not forget Diego Maradona: "I don't want to forget Diego, who took our country to where it deserves to be, and as I have always said, I know he helped both of us from heaven in every step."
Messi thanked the clubs he played for over the years for respecting his feelings and allowing him to commit to the national team whenever he was called up. He concluded: "I am grateful. I love you all very much; I will miss you, and I will always thank you for standing beside us, beside me."
The careers of Messi and Ronaldo ran as parallel tracks that intersected for years at both club and international level. They dominated world football for more than 15 years, winning 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them. The fierce rivalry was largely driven by the two players' fanbases over the past two decades, especially during the nine years both played in Spain, with Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
Messi won the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 Finalissima with Argentina. Ronaldo, 41, now plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and also faces an uncertain future after apologising for leaving Portugal's national team camp following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. Whether he continues to play for his country remains unclear, although the apology leaves open the possibility of a return.
The last time Messi and Ronaldo met on the pitch was in a friendly in Saudi Arabia in January 2023, when both scored for a Riyadh Season Team and Paris Saint-Germain, recalling the peak years of their historic rivalry.
