Buenos Aires provided the setting for Lionel Messi’s farewell to Argentina, and one of the most closely watched responses arrived from Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward marked the end of his long-time rival’s international chapter with a public message of respect after Messi’s goodbye at the Monumental Stadium.
A salute across a defining rivalry
Messi later shared photographs and words from his Argentina farewell on social media, prompting messages from supporters unable to be in the capital. Ronaldo’s reply stood out amid the thousands of tributes.
- Ronaldo recognised Messi’s years representing Argentina.
- He described the Argentine’s record with his country as a story that will endure.
- His message referred to Messi’s achievements with the three-time world champions.
“Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will remain forever. You have all my respect for what you achieved with Argentina. A hug,” Ronaldo wrote beneath Messi’s post.
Respect beyond the comparisons
The exchange carried the weight of a rivalry that dominated football’s biggest stages for much of the past decade. Messi and Ronaldo were repeatedly measured against one another throughout their careers, yet Ronaldo’s message underlined the mutual regard that has accompanied those comparisons.
Thousands of users reacted positively to the Portuguese forward’s words, praising him for taking the time to acknowledge Messi’s Argentina career. Replies included messages calling Ronaldo the best, a role model and a great figure of the game.
The Monumental farewell
Messi’s departure from Argentina duty at the Monumental closed a chapter built over many years in the national shirt. Ronaldo’s response ensured that the occasion was also recognised far beyond Buenos Aires, by the player who shared football’s most enduring modern rivalry with him.
