Cristiano Ronaldo Tributes Lionel Messi After International Retirement
Lionel Messi recently ended his 21-year international career by scoring once and setting up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, prompting a public tribute from longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Reuters reported. The 39-year-old Argentina captain addressed a crowd of over 85,000 fans in his farewell appearance, stating in a lengthy Instagram post that he already missed wearing the blue and white.
Messi Reflects on Career After Final Game for Argentina
Messi marshaled Argentina to victory in front of a packed stadium in Buenos Aires during a fixture that marked the culmination of more than two decades representing his nation.
Reflecting on his departure, Messi acknowledged the milestones of his career while expressing gratitude toward his former clubs for allowing him to answer international call-ups. He also paid tribute to late Argentine icon Diego Maradona, crediting him for setting the country’s football standard.
“Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I’m making the right decision,” Messi wrote in his social media post. “I don’t want to forget Diego (Maradona), who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know helped us both by being here with us and also from heaven, with every step we took.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo publicly acknowledged his rival’s retirement, setting aside a generational sporting contest to mark the occasion.
“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,” Ronaldo stated.
While offering this tribute, Ronaldo faces his own ongoing tensions within international football.
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The Inter Miami playmaker addressed his supporters directly in his retirement announcement, emphasizing the emotional weight of stepping away from the national team setup.
“I am grateful. I love you all very much; I’m going to miss you, and I will always thank you for having been by our side, by my side,” Messi added in his statement.