Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to longtime rival Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar’s emotional farewell to international football, praising the legacy he built during more than two decades with Argentina.
Messi made his final appearance for Argentina on October 6 in a friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. In front of more than 85,000 supporters, the 39-year-old delivered a memorable final performance, scoring one goal and providing two assists as Argentina won 3-0.
After the match, Messi shared an emotional message reflecting on his international career. He said he already missed wearing Argentina’s famous blue-and-white shirt and described representing his country as an enormous source of pride.
Ronaldo responded to Messi’s post on social media, putting aside one of football’s most famous rivalries to recognise his achievements.
“Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug,” Ronaldo wrote.
Messi’s international career spanned 21 years and included 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina. He captained the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima.
The tribute carries added significance because Ronaldo and Messi have been at the centre of one of football’s defining rivalries for more than 15 years. Their careers repeatedly intersected during their years with Real Madrid and Barcelona, while their supporters debated their respective places among the greatest players of their generation. Together, they have won 13 Ballon d’Or awards.
Ronaldo, who is 41 and continues to play for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, has also recently faced uncertainty surrounding his own international future after an incident involving Portugal’s training camp.
For Messi, however, the farewell marked the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter. He leaves Argentina as the country’s most-capped player and record scorer, having transformed years of criticism and disappointment into a career crowned by major international titles.
Ronaldo’s message offered a rare moment of recognition between two players whose rivalry defined an era of world football, with the Portuguese star acknowledging that Messi’s contribution to Argentina has created a legacy that will endure.
