Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to his great sporting rival Lionel Messi, a day after the Argentina legend played his last match for his country, a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in which the 39-year-old scored one goal and set up two more.
Messi wrote a post on Instagram reflecting on his final international fixture for La Albiceleste.
It was the first time that Messi had spoken since revealing his farewell international match was the “saddest day” of his career.
According to TNT Sports, Messi’s greatest rival, Ronaldo, replied to the post and expressed his gratitude to the Argentine’s international career with a heartwarming message.
“Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will last forever,” the 41-year-old wrote.
“All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.”
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The pair have dominated international and club football for over two decades, winning a combined 13 Ballon d’Or trophies between 2008 and 2023.
Messi has won football’s most coveted individual honour eight times, while Ronaldo has lifted the iconic trophy on five occasions.
They competed at the FIFA World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico over the summer, but had remarkably different experiences.
Messi inspired Argentina to the final, producing eight goals and four assists before his side were eventually beaten by Spain.
Ronaldo found the back of the net three times during the tournament, but Portugal were eventually dumped out at the last-16 stage.
