Posted by Chinenye on Thu 08th Oct, 2026 - tori.ng
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a touching message to Lionel Messi after his final game for Argentina.
(Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi. Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo has shown respect to his longtime rival Lionel Messi after the Argentine said goodbye to international football.
Messi played his last game for Argentina on Tuesday night, scoring once and setting up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old called it the saddest day of his career after more than twenty years with his country.
Ronaldo left a comment under Messi's online post on Wednesday.
He wrote that Messi spent so many years defending his country and has a story that will live forever, and that he has all his respect for everything Messi achieved with Argentina.
He ended with a hug.
📲 🚨𝗡𝗘𝗪: Cristiano Ronaldo replies to Leo Messi's farewell! "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." https://t.co/qojcAAIIT5
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 7, 2026
Spanish newspaper Marca also reported the message and noted that the two stars have long respected each other despite a fierce rivalry of more than 15 years.
Messi announced his retirement from the national team in late August, shortly after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
He said the emotional and physical toll of the tournament, which came while his father Jorge was ill and later died, played a part in his decision.
He ended with a record 208 games and 126 goals for Argentina, and captained the team to the 2022 World Cup and Copa América wins.
Ronaldo had also sent a message of support after the death of Messi's father earlier this year.
Messi now plays for Inter Miami while Ronaldo is with Al-Nassr.