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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine great retired from international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) having a word with Lionel Messi (AFP Photo)
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo defined an era – two of the finest footballers of their generation who broke records for fun and turned the Ballon d’Or award into a duopoly. One of them has started to bidding goodbye to his playing career. On Tuesday night, Messi played his last international match for Argentina in what was an emotional affair.
Tributes began pouring in for perhaps the greatest ever footballer to have played the game. And his long-time rival Ronaldo also sent a warm message after Messi confessed he’s already started missing playing for one last masterclass.
“Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you’ve made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina. A hug,” Ronaldo wrote.
Messi, 39, delivered one last masterclass in Argentina’s blue and white, scoring once and setting up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin before more than 85,000 fans at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, where his farewell became a celebration of an extraordinary 21-year international career.
“Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I’m making the right decision,” Messi said in a lengthy Instagram post. “It’s been an incredible journey, full of joy and also some sadness, but I know for sure that every step I took was worth it…I don’t want to forget Diego (Maradona), who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know helped us both by being here with us and also from heaven, with every step we took.
“Thank you to the clubs where I played, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever it was time to put on the national team jersey…”
At A Glance
Lionel Messi played his last international match for Argentina on Tuesday night.
Messi scored one goal and set up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin.
More than 85,000 fans attended Messi’s farewell match at Monumental Stadium.
Messi’s international career spanned 21 years.
Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, while also helping them win the 2022 Finalissima.
“I am grateful. I love you all very much; I’m going to miss you, and I will always thank you for having been by our side, by my side,” the Inter Miami playmaker added.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, is embroiled in a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus following his abrupt departure from the national team’s training camp.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Cristiano Ronaldo praised Lionel Messi’s historic career defending his country, expressing his utmost respect for everything Messi has accomplished with Argentina.
Ask News18About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
October 08, 2026, 08:25 IST
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