Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to longtime rival Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar’s emotional farewell to international football.
Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday night, scoring a goal and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old, who spent more than two decades representing Argentina, was visibly emotional during the farewell as he brought the international chapter of his illustrious career to an end.
Ronaldo responded to Messi’s Instagram post on Wednesday, praising his former rival for his achievements with Argentina.
“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,” Ronaldo wrote.
The message was seen as another reminder of the mutual respect that has developed between two players whose careers have been closely compared for more than 15 years.
For much of the modern era, Messi and Ronaldo were at the centre of football’s biggest individual rivalry, particularly during their years competing for Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga. Their battle for goals, trophies and individual honours helped define an era of the sport.
Away from the rivalry, however, both players have repeatedly acknowledged each other’s greatness.
Messi announced his decision to end his Argentina career in late August, following the team’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain. The decision also came during a difficult period for the forward following the illness and subsequent death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 208 appearances and 126 goals. He also captained the country to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa América triumphs.
Ronaldo, who has also entered the later stage of his own remarkable career, previously sent a message of support to Messi following the death of his father.
The latest tribute further highlights the respect between two football icons whose careers have often been measured against each other but whose achievements have ultimately helped shape one of the most memorable eras in the history of the game.
While Messi continues his club career with Inter Miami and Ronaldo represents Al-Nassr, their rivalry may be nearing its final chapter, but the legacy they built over more than a decade will remain a defining part of world football.