Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine forward played his final match for the national team. Messi ended his international career with a 3-0 victory over Benin on Tuesday. Messi scored Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute. The match marked the end of a remarkable international career for the 39-year-old forward.
Following the game, Cristiano Ronaldo shared a message for his longtime football rival. He praised Messi’s achievements with Argentina and described his international legacy as lasting forever. Ronaldo and Messi have been at the center of one of football’s greatest rivalries. Their competition defined an era while they played for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The two stars faced each other regularly for nine seasons. They competed for major individual awards and team trophies during their careers. Together, Messi and Ronaldo have won 82 trophies at club and international level. Messi holds the better head-to-head record between the two players.
The Argentine has recorded 17 wins against Ronaldo. The Portuguese star has won 11 matches against Messi. Nine of their meetings ended in draws. The match against Benin was Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina. He finished his international career with 126 goals for his country.
Messi also spoke emotionally to supporters after the match. He said representing Argentina had been the most beautiful experience of his football career. The former Barcelona star will now continue his club career with Inter Miami. He remains involved in Major League Soccer after ending his international career.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to represent Portugal at international level. The 41-year-old has also spoken about speculation surrounding his own eventual retirement from international football. Recent reports have included claims of tensions between Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo has also addressed suggestions that the Portuguese Football Federation wants to organize a farewell match.
The Portugal captain said he expects to have one or more farewell matches in the future. However, he indicated that there is still time before that moment arrives. Ronaldo also said he learned from difficult experiences that nothing is simply given to anyone. He promised Portuguese supporters that his international farewell would eventually come.
In other news read more about “I Will Not Represent Portugal as Long as Head Coach Jorge Jesus Is in Charge,” Cristiano Ronaldo
For now, Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s national team. Messi, meanwhile, has closed one of the most successful international careers in football history.
