Ronaldo pays tribute to Messi after Argentina farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly honored longtime rival Lionel Messi following the Argentine's emotional farewell from international football. Messi concluded his Argentina career on Tuesday, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Widely considered one of the greatest players in football history, Messi, aged 39, called the event "the saddest day of my career" after over two decades of representing his country.

Ronaldo responded to Messi's Instagram post about the farewell on Wednesday, stating, "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." Both players have expressed admiration for each other, with Messi ending his Argentina career in late August due to the emotional and physical strain of the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain, compounded by his father's death.