Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo set aside one of football's greatest rivalries on Wednesday to pay tribute to Lionel Messi, after the Argentine said he already missed wearing his country's colours following his emotional international retirement. The 41-year-old left a heartfelt message under Messi's farewell post on Instagram: "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."

Messi, 39, played his 208th and final game for the Albiceleste on Tuesday, scoring once and setting up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium before more than 85,000 fans. His 126th international goal capped a 21-year career that included the 2022 World Cup title, the 2021 and 2024 Copa Américas, and the 2022 Finalissima.

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The end of an era

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, just weeks after leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final and shortly after the death of his father and agent, Jorge Messi. He played in six World Cups and lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022, ending Argentina's 36-year wait for a third world title.

The friendly against Benin was arranged as his send-off: a full house at the Monumental, a drone show, musical tributes and former teammates in the stands. Messi produced one final masterclass — one goal, two assists — and was given an emotional ovation when he left the pitch.

Messi's farewell letter

The day after the match, Messi published a lengthy farewell post on Instagram in which he admitted the emotions of the moment had caught up with him.

"Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I'm making the right decision," he wrote, describing the journey as "incredible, full of joy and also some sadness," but adding that "every step I took was worth it."

He paid tribute to Diego Maradona, saying the late World Cup-winning legend "put our country where it deserved to be" and had helped the squad "by being here with us and also from heaven, with every step we took." He also thanked the clubs he played for — Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami — "for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever it was time to put on the national team jersey."

"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," he added.

A rivalry built on mutual respect

Messi and Ronaldo have vied for recognition as the greatest players of their generation for almost two decades, dominating the Ballon d'Or between them and defining the Barcelona–Real Madrid rivalry of the 2010s. Ronaldo's decision to reply publicly — calling Messi's international career "history that will last forever" — underscored the mutual respect that has coexisted with their competitive rivalry.

The gesture also landed at a sensitive moment for Ronaldo's own international career. The 41-year-old has been at the centre of a recent dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, raising questions about how his own farewell with the national team will unfold — as covered previously on Chronicle.

Tributes from across football

Ronaldo was far from the only great to pay tribute. Brazil legend Ronaldinho, Messi's former Barcelona teammate from 2003 to 2008, wrote on X: "What a pleasure and a joy it has been to be part of your story since day one, brother! You made us smile and enjoy football so much!!! Your name is etched in the history of your country and the entire world."

Neymar, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, thanked the Inter Miami star for "making me love football even more."

As Reuters, ESPN and USA Today reported, the tributes have poured in from across the football world since Tuesday night.

What comes next

Messi will continue playing club football with Inter Miami, but the Argentina number 10 shirt now passes to a new generation. Argentina must find a new on-field leader as it turns toward defending its World Cup title cycle, while supporters in Buenos Aires celebrated a farewell that — by common consent — could hardly have gone better.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, remains active for Portugal, and the football world will watch closely to see whether he receives a comparable send-off when his own international chapter closes.

Key takeaways

  • Cristiano Ronaldo replied to Messi's Instagram farewell post: "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."
  • Messi, 39, retired from international football after 208 caps and 126 goals, following a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental on Tuesday.
  • His final international appearance included a goal and two assists before more than 85,000 fans.
  • Messi announced his retirement on August 31, after leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final and following the death of his father, Jorge.
  • Tributes also came from Ronaldinho and Neymar, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Cristiano Ronaldo say to Lionel Messi?

Ronaldo commented on Messi's Instagram farewell post: "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." The message was reported by Reuters, ESPN and USA Today on Wednesday.

When did Lionel Messi play his last match for Argentina?

Messi played his final international match on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 — a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. He scored once and provided two assists in his 208th and final cap.

Why did Messi retire from international football?

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, 2026, weeks after leading Argentina to the World Cup final and shortly after the death of his father and agent, Jorge Messi. In his farewell post, he said he already missed wearing the national shirt but knew he was "making the right decision."

What are Messi's international career highlights?

Over a 21-year international career, Messi won the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa Américas, the 2022 Finalissima and Olympic gold in 2008. He played in six World Cups and scored 126 goals in 208 appearances for Argentina.

Will Messi keep playing club football?

Yes. Messi's retirement applies only to international football; he continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.