Ronaldo addressed Messi after the farewell match — the legend's words moved the football world

Messi ended his international career with a match against Benin. Argentina won 3-0, and the captain himself became one of the main heroes of the encounter: he scored from a penalty and provided two assists.

What did Ronaldo write to Messi?

After the farewell match, Messi published an emotional message about ending his appearances for the national team.

It was under this post that a comment from Cristiano Ronaldo appeared.

The Portuguese wrote:

"Leo, for so many years you defended your country and the story will remain forever. I respect everything you achieved with the Argentina national team. Hugs."

Thus Ronaldo paid tribute to his longtime rival and one of the greatest footballers of his era.

Messi's last match for Argentina

The farewell turned out to be symbolic. More than 85 thousand fans gathered at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Messi played 208 matches for the Argentina national team, scored 126 goals, and ended his international career at the age of 39. Together with the national team, he won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima 2022, and the 2022 World Cup.

The end of the Messi and Ronaldo era?

For many years, it was Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who defined the main football duel of the era.

They were compared by goals, trophies, individual awards, and influence on their teams. Now Messi has ended his career with the national team, and the football world's attention is once again fixed on Ronaldo's own future.

But in this moment, the rivalry turned out to be secondary.

Ronaldo simply thanked Messi for the football history that he created.

And perhaps that is precisely why a few lines from the Portuguese turned out to be one of the most discussed moments after the farewell match of the Argentine legend.