Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a congratulatory message to Lionel Messi after his final match with the Argentina national team.
Messi played his last game for his country on Tuesday, Oct. 6, notching a goal and two assists in Argentina's 3-0 win over Benin in a friendly at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Messi announced his international retirement in August after pushing the Albiceleste to the 2026 World Cup final. Four years earlier, Messi led Argentina to its first World Cup triumph since Diego Maradona did the same in 1986.
The 39-year-old was called up one final time in this international window, giving the Argentine faithful one last chance to say good-bye to Messi the player.
Messi wrote a lengthy post on Instagram the day after the Benin
match, and there was one particularly notable commenter.
"Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will live on forever," Ronaldo responded under Messi's post. "You have all my respect for everything you have achieved with Argentina. A hug."
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo REPLIES to Leo Messi. pic.twitter.com/Vud1TRypc0
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 7, 2026
Messi and Ronaldo will forever be linked, as the pair battled for individual and team honors for many years while at Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. Both are considered among the greatest players ever.
What did Messi's Instagram post say?
Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white. I know I'm making the right decision. It was an incredible road, filled with joys and also some sorrows, but I'm clear that it was worth every step I took.
And I'm left with a lot to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post. This trip would have been impossible without my family, who always stood by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult times, when I needed it most.
My friends were also indispensable, all the colleagues and coaches I had, along with their technical staff. 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 being here with us and also from heaven, in every step we took.
Thanks to the clubs I played in, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country when it was time to put on the national team shirt. And, of course, thank God: without His guidance and His will, we wouldn't even be dreaming of having come this far.
I am a grateful person. I love you so much, I will miss you and I will always thank you for being by our side, by my side.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cristiano Ronaldo sends heartfelt message to Messi after Argentina retirement
