Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi tribute has added another emotional chapter to one of football’s greatest rivalries after Messi played his final match for Argentina on October 6. The Argentine superstar featured against Benin at the Monumental in what marked his international football swansong, scoring a goal and providing two assists.
After the match, Messi shared an emotional Instagram post reflecting on his journey with the national team. The 39-year-old said he already missed wearing the Argentina jersey and acknowledged that the time had come to move on from international football. He also thanked his family and teammates while remembering Argentine football legend Diego Maradona.
Ronaldo’s Heartfelt Message to Messi
Among the many tributes that followed, Cristiano Ronaldo’s message stood out because of the history between the two football legends.
Ronaldo responded to Messi’s Instagram post with a message celebrating the Argentine’s achievements with his country.
“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.
The Portuguese forward’s message highlighted the respect that has developed between the two players despite their long-standing rivalry on the football pitch.
This was not the first time Ronaldo had publicly offered support to Messi. He had previously expressed condolences after Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, died in August.
A Rivalry That Defined an Era
The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry became one of the defining stories of modern football. Their competition intensified from the late 2000s, particularly after Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid and Messi continued to lead Barcelona.
Their rivalry became especially prominent during El Clasico encounters, with the two forwards repeatedly competing for individual honours, including the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s top-player awards.
Despite competing at the highest level for more than a decade, both players have repeatedly shown respect for each other.
Their international careers also brought them face-to-face, with Argentina and Portugal meeting twice while both superstars were representing their countries. The two sides recorded one victory apiece.
With Messi now stepping away from international football, Ronaldo’s tribute offered a fitting acknowledgment from one legendary player to another — recognising a football legacy that will remain part of the sport’s history.
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