After more than 15 years of competition at the highest level, Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine’s retirement from international football.
Ronaldo took to Instagram on Wednesday to respond to Messi’s farewell message, acknowledging the legacy his longtime rival built 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 marked another moment of mutual respect between two players whose rivalry defined an era of world football.
Messi brought his Argentina career to a close on Tuesday night in front of a packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, producing a fitting final performance. The 39-year-old scored once and provided two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0.
His international career spanned 21 years and produced records that are unlikely to be easily surpassed. Messi finished with 208 appearances for Argentina and 126 goals, making him the country’s most-capped player and leading scorer.
More importantly, he leaves behind a major trophy haul. Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and also helped the country win the Copa America.
Reflecting on the end of his international journey, Messi described the occasion as “the saddest day of my career.”
His retirement had been announced in August after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, bringing an end to his time with the national team.
For Ronaldo, the farewell was an opportunity to recognise a career that had often been measured against his own.
The Portuguese forward and Messi spent much of their careers at the centre of football’s biggest individual debate, with their performances, records and trophies repeatedly compared by fans and pundits.
Despite that rivalry, the pair have maintained a public relationship of respect. Ronaldo has previously sent messages of support to Messi, including following the death of the Argentine’s father earlier this year.
Messi now turns his attention fully to club football with Inter Miami, while Ronaldo continues his career with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Their international careers may have taken different paths, but Ronaldo’s latest message underlined the respect that has endured between two of football’s defining figures.
