Ronaldo hails Messi after emotional Argentina farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo has put one of football’s most famous rivalries aside to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain announced his retirement from international football following an emotional farewell in Buenos Aires.

Messi, 39, produced a memorable final performance for Argentina on Tuesday, scoring once and setting up two goals as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium.

More than 85,000 supporters watched as Messi brought the curtain down on a remarkable 21-year international career. His farewell appearance turned into a celebration of his enduring influence on Argentine football and his achievements with the national team.

“Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white,” Messi said in a lengthy Instagram post, adding that he was certain he had made the right decision.

The Inter Miami playmaker reflected on the highs and lows of his international journey while thanking the clubs he represented for allowing him to repeatedly answer Argentina’s call.

Messi also paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona, saying the Argentina legend had helped put the country where it deserved to be and remained a source of inspiration.

Messi’s international career reached its peak with Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He also led the team to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 and helped Argentina win the 2022 Finalissima.

“I am grateful. I love you all very much; I’m going to miss you,” Messi wrote.

Among those responding to his farewell was Ronaldo, his long-time rival in the debate over the greatest footballer of their generation.

The Portugal captain praised Messi’s contribution to Argentina and acknowledged the legacy he has created over more than two decades.

“Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you’ve made history that will last forever,” Ronaldo said. “I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina. A hug.”

The message offered a rare moment of mutual appreciation between two players whose careers have been closely compared for years.

While Messi celebrated his international farewell, Ronaldo’s own future with Portugal has also attracted attention. The 41-year-old forward is currently involved in a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus after his abrupt departure from the national team’s training camp.

For Messi, however, the focus now shifts away from Argentina’s famous blue and white shirt, leaving behind a legacy defined by trophies, records and a World Cup triumph that completed one of football’s most celebrated careers.