Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national team, praised his longtime rival Lionel Messi on Wednesday, setting aside one of football’s most famous rivalries after the Argentine said he had already begun missing representing his country following his impactful international retirement.
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Messi, 39, delivered a memorable final performance for Argentina early Wednesday, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in front of more than 85,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
His farewell match became a celebration of an extraordinary 21-year international career.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Messi wrote: “Yesterday’s match was my last, and I’ve already started missing wearing the blue and white shirt. I know I’m making the right decision.
It has been an incredible journey, filled with joy and also some sadness, but I’m certain that every step I took was worth it.”
He added: “I don’t want to forget Diego (Maradona), who put our country in the place it deserves and who, as I always say, I know helped us, whether through his presence with us or through the spirit that continued to accompany us every step of the way.”
“I thank the clubs I played for for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever it was time to wear the national team shirt,” Messi said.
Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, while also helping the team win the 2022 Finalissima.
The Inter Miami playmaker added: “I am grateful. I love you all very much. I will miss you, and I will always be grateful to you for standing by us and by me.”
Throughout their illustrious careers, Messi and Ronaldo competed for recognition as the best player of their generation.
The 41-year-old Portuguese forward was among those who responded to Messi’s post.
Ronaldo wrote: “Leo, after all these years representing your country, you have made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you achieved with Argentina. A hug.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is currently involved in a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus following his surprise departure from the national team’s training camp.
Reuters
