After the Argentine star’s final game for the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo has made a touching tribute to Messi. Ronaldo, in a post on Instagram, hailed Messi’s years of service to Argentina and asserted that the history he made will live on. The tribute arrived shortly after Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell ceremony, and it was a good moment between two football icons and rivals.
Messi‘s last game for Argentina was on October 6 when the world champions played a friendly against Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. This was won by Argentina 3-0 in front of over 85,000 spectators. Messi got on the scoreboard on his 39th birthday and helped to make it an emotional evening for the Argentine captain with two assists.
It was also the end of a remarkable international career spanning 21 years. According to FIFA, Messi has played 208 times, scored 126 goals, and assisted in 70 games for Argentina. He leaves the national team as its record appearance maker and scorer.
Messi Says Goodbye To The National Team
Following the game, Messi posted a lengthy message on Instagram, thanking his family, teammates, fans, and clubs for giving him the opportunity to play for the Argentina football team. He also recalled Diego Maradona and spoke about the feelings he had on the completion of his international career.
“Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I’m making the right decision,” Messi wrote.
He also admitted that his life had been a happy and mournful one but that it would all have been worth it.
Messi’s career for Argentina fans has had its fair share of challenging times and historical ones. He found the end of a difficult time following a heartbreak in 2018 when he guided his team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He was also part of Argentina’s Copa America victory in 2021, 2024, and the Finalissima in 2022.
Ronaldo’s Emotional Message To Messi
Ronaldo, who has been a rival of Messi for years, took to his Twitter account in response to the post, one that was about respect, not rivalry.
Ronaldo sent a message saying that, “Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you’ve made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina. A hug.”
The comparison between Ronaldo and Messi went largely into their heads, as their careers were compared for so long. This rivalry increased in the years when Ronaldo wore the Real Madrid jersey and Messi wore the Barcelona jersey, and El Clásico became one of the major sporting events in football.
A Rivalry That Became Football History
Ronaldo and Messi have been in the eyes of the world for over a decade, and they have been the subject of numerous debates on who is the best player in the world. According to the statistics in the UEFA, Messi has been awarded the Ballon d’Or five times (2009-15), and Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Ors (2008-17). They were a formidable duo for a long time during that time.
They also had face-offs twice while playing for their nations; the latter won each of their encounters, says India Today. Yet, both players have displayed respect for each other in their off-field moments, even in the face of adversity.
Messi’s last march for Argentina was capped off with a goal, two assists, a massive home crowd, and a message from Ronaldo. In those years when two giants of football were in competition, the goodbye was a simpler one- recognition from two football heroes whose legacy will endure long after they’re gone.
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