Ronaldo Sends Emotional Message to Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent Lionel Messi a classy message following the Argentine legend's farewell from international football.

Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday, helping his country beat Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires. He scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists before officially closing the international chapter of his career.

After Messi shared an emotional farewell message on Instagram, Ronaldo responded directly in the comments.

“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.”

The message carries extra weight because Ronaldo and Messi spent more than a decade as football's biggest individual rivals.

They battled for Ballon d'Ors, Champions League titles, domestic trophies and countless individual records while playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Yet as their international careers reach their final chapters, the rivalry has increasingly been replaced by mutual respect.

Messi leaves Argentina as the country's record appearance-maker and leading scorer, having won the 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América during his international career.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is still available for Portugal despite the recent controversy surrounding his departure from the national-team camp. He said he would remain available after serving any suspension that may be imposed on him.

For years, football fans argued over Messi and Ronaldo.

Now, one of them has officially said goodbye to international football.

And his greatest rival was there to show respect.

From competition to respect — the Messi-Ronaldo era is slowly coming to an end. 🐐🇦🇷🇵🇹