Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Lionel Messi in comment on retirement post

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently involved in a dispute with Portugal national team manage Jorge Jesus. | Photo Credit: AP

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi in a comment on his retirement post on Instagram following his final international match on Tuesday.

Messi represented La Albaceleste for the final time against Benin, scoring a penalty and creating two goals in his final international match. He was then given an emotional farewell in front of more than 85,000 fans at Buenos Aires’ ‌Monumental Stadium.

Messi led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup 2022, and helped it break its Copa America title drought with victories in 2021 and 2024.

Messi subsequently made a post on Instagram bidding goodbye to the side, saying, “Yesterday was my last ‌game, and I already miss wearing the blue and ‌white. ⁠I know I’m making the right decision.”

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“It’s been an incredible journey, full of joy and also some sadness, but I know for sure that every step ​I took was worth it...

Ronaldo, long seen as Messi’s main rival, paid tribute to the diminutive Argentine in a comment under the post, saying, “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 Portuguese forward is currently embroiled in a dispute with his national team manager Jorge Jesus. He departed the national team camp after Jesus did not play him in a UEFA Nations League fixture.