Ronaldo pays tribute to Messi after Argentina farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to longtime rival Lionel Messi after the Argentine ended his international career.

The Al Nassr star posted a message in Spanish on Messi’s farewell post on Wednesday, a day after his final appearance for Argentina.

“Leo, so many years representing your country and a legacy that will last forever,” Ronaldo wrote.

“You have all my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina.”

 

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Messi signed off with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

The Inter Miami forward finished his 21-year international career as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading scorer, with 126 goals in 208 appearances.

Ronaldo’s message followed a rivalry that defined an era of club football, particularly during their years on opposite sides of Spain’s biggest fixture.

Messi led Barcelona while Ronaldo starred for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018, with the pair competing for league titles, Champions League trophies and individual honours.

Their success also extended to international football as Ronaldo helped Portugal win EURO 2016 and UEFA Nations League twice, while Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.