Cristiano Ronaldo honors Lionel Messi's Argentina retirement with touching message: 'All my respect'
Cristiano Ronaldo publicly honored Lionel Messi following Messi's retirement from international football with Argentina. The gesture marks a rare moment of public camaraderie between the two long-time football rivals.
Why it matters
The public exchange between two of the most influential athletes in history highlights the end of a significant era in global sports.
Cristiano Ronaldo honors Lionel Messi's Argentina retirement with touching message: 'All my respect' originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Lionel Messi 's international career came to a resplendent close on Tuesday night.
The Inter Miami standout put forth a glistening showing on the Estadio Monumental pitch, producing highlights in bunches as Argentina raced to a 3-0 win over Benin.
Afterwards, he was showered in praise from legions of dignitaries inside and outside the footballing world. Chief among them was his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo , who put aside the pairing's differences to pay homage to his fellow forward.
Ronaldo was one of numerous luminaries across the world of sports and entertainment to celebrate Messi's retirement from international play. The Portuguese standout took to Instagram to embrace his longtime rival.
Also covering this story
17 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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