‘History that will last forever’: Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Lionel Messi with ‘greatest respect’

Ronaldo pays tribute to Lionel Messi after saying goodbye Cristiano Ronaldo has put aside one of football’s most enduring rivalries to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine bid an emotional farewell to international football.Messi, 39, made his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday and signed off in style as he scored once and set up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. More than 85,000 fans were in attendance as Argentina celebrated the end of his remarkable 21-year international career.After the match, Messi took to Instagram to reflect on his journey with the national team and admitted that he already missed the feeling of representing Argentina in the famous blue and white shirt.“Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing 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 sadness, but I know for sure that every step I’ve taken has been 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 from heaven, with our every step.“I thank the clubs where I played for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever the time came to wear the national team shirt…”Messi’s international career has included Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and victory in the 2022 Finalissima.“I’m grateful. I love you all so much, I’ll miss you and I’ll always be grateful for being by our side, by my side,” the Inter Miami playmaker added.Among those who responded to Messi’s farewell message was Ronaldo, his arch-rival in the debate about the best player of his generation. Despite their careers being defined by competing for individual and team honours, the Portugal captain paid a warm tribute to the Argentine.

Ronaldo’s message to Lionel Messi after his international retirement

“Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you have made history that will last forever. I have immense respect for what you have done with Argentina. Hugs,” Ronaldo said.Ronaldo, 41, has been in the spotlight himself for Portugal after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus following his sudden exit from the national team’s training camp.But for Messi, the international chapter ended with an unforgettable night in front of a packed Monumental, which brought an emotional close to more than two decades of Argentina representation.