Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine star played his final game for the national team.
Messi ended his international career with a 3-0 win over Benin on Tuesday, scoring Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.
Ronaldo shared a message for his longtime rival, writing, “Leo, so many years of defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.”
Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry defined an era of football as the two regularly faced each other while representing Barcelona and Real Madrid. They competed against each other for nine seasons and collected individual and team honours at club and international level.
The two players have won a combined 82 trophies while Messi leads their head-to-head record with 17 wins to Ronaldo’s 11, with nine matches ending in draws.
The match against Benin marked Messi’s 208th and final appearance for Argentina. The 39-year-old ended his international career with 126 goals for the national team.
“I would love to keep coming back forever, because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you. The most beautiful thing,” Messi said in his address to the crowd after the match.
Messi will now continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, while Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s national team.
Ronaldo, 41, has also addressed speculation about his own international farewell after reports of tensions with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
“I have heard a great deal of talk about farewell matches, that I must have a dignified farewell and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity,” Ronaldo stated.
“I learned in life, often hungry and with nothing to eat, that no one gives anything to anyone. I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that.”
