Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstar’s emotional farewell from international football. When Messi said he already missed Argentina's blue and white jersey, Ronaldo was able to express his respect to Messi in a touching way for his long-standing rival, when it was the end of one of football's best rivalries.
Messi played his final game for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6. The 39-year-old produced a memorable performance in the 3-0 victory, scoring one goal and creating two more. More than 85,000 fans were there for the emotional farewell as Messi ended his 21-year international career.
Argentina’s captain later reflected on the moment in an Instagram post, which he admitted he already missed representing his country. Ronaldo reacted to Messi’s message directly; he acknowledged the enormous legacy he was forging with Argentina and ended his tribute with “A hug.”
Ronaldo’s Emotional Message For Messi
Ronaldo's response showed the mutual respect between the two superstars that has developed over the years of battles at the highest level of football, after years of going up against one another. Messi and Ronaldo have spent so much of their careers being compared to one another and have compared well– even at Barcelona and Real Madrid at the same time– and the two players have always talked about the success of each other, but the most recent argument was about recognizing one another’s achievements.
Ronaldo praised Messi for all the years he spent representing Argentina and described the history he made with the national team as something that would last forever. He also praised Messi for everything Messi had done for his country before ending it with a warm smile.
The message came shortly after Messi openly admitted how difficult it was to walk away from the Argentina shirt. So his farewell, as well as for him, was not just a moment of his own career but a moment that linked two players who have been at the top of the world football conversation for over a decade.
Messi Says He Already Misses Argentina Jersey
Messi’s final match for Argentina was emotional from the very beginning. The forward was visibly moved when he came into the stadium and later struggled to contain his emotions during the farewell celebrations.
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0, with Messi contributing a goal and two assists. He also got to say goodbye to his home fans at a packed Monumental Stadium.
Messi reflected on his international career after the game and admitted the emotions surrounding his decision. He wrote that the game had been his last and that he already missed wearing Argentina’s colours.
Messi also expressed gratitude to his family and the people who supported him throughout his career.
Messi ends up at Argentina having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Messi Ends Argentina Career With 126 Goals
Messi finished his Argentina career with 126 international goals in 208 games. His final goal was from the penalty spot in the victory over Benin, extending his record as Argentina's top men's goalscorer.
And he’s been traveling around the world since he started with Argentina over two decades ago and has never been more criticized and had such historic success with Argentina. The biggest victory was the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he took football’s most coveted international title.
He also helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and successfully defend the continental title in 2024. Those successes changed the story around his international career following earlier disappointments in major finals.
Messi’s final appearance against Benin therefore represented the end of a long journey rather than just the end of another international match.
Ronaldo And Messi Rivalry Defined An Era
Messi and Ronaldo's careers have long been linked in football fans' eyes. Their rivalry was particularly intense during their time with Barcelona and Real Madrid, when they competed for domestic titles (in many cases, also in the European leagues) and individual titles.
The comparison went well beyond club football. Within their home countries, both players were leading goalscorers and were still among the most influential players in the sport.
Messi ultimately had the World Cup success that had eluded him for so long, and Ronaldo took Portugal to the European Championship title in 2016. Messi also won the Copa America with Argentina, and both players had a lot of international honours during their careers.
The individual records and longevity have resulted in comparisons between them continuing as both players approach the later stages of their playing careers.
A Respectful End To Football’s Greatest Rivalry
Ronaldo’s message to Messi comes at a symbolic moment in football. For years, the two players were seen as rivals, and fans often debated which superstar had achieved more.
But their careers also happened in the same extraordinary era, and they pushed each other to unprecedented levels of performance. Their rivalry shaped modern football and produced some of the sport’s greatest individual achievements.
Messi’s international retirement isn’t a complete end. He still plays club football, but his competitive career with Argentina has now been completed. His last evening in the blue and white ended with a win, a goal, and two assists, and an emotional farewell to his fans.
Ronaldo’s tribute in response added another memorable chapter to their shared football history. After years of competition and comparison, the Portuguese star’s tribute showed the admiration that exists between two players who have been involved in so much of their careers at the highest level of competition.
