‘History that'll last forever’: Ronaldo pays tribute to Messi with ‘utmost respect’
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football following a final match for Argentina. Cristiano Ronaldo publicly paid tribute to his long-time rival, acknowledging the legacy Messi leaves behind.
Why it matters
The retirement of one of the greatest players in football history marks the end of a defining era in global sports.
Cristiano Ronaldo put aside one of football’s most enduring rivalries to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine bid an emotional farewell to international football.Messi, 39, made his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday, signing off in style as he scored once and created two goals in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. More than 85,000 fans were present as Argentina celebrated the end of his remarkable 21-year international career.Following the match, Messi took to Instagram to reflect on his journey with the national team and admitted that he was already missing the feeling of representing Argentina in the famous blue and white shirt."Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I'm making the right decision," Messi said in a lengthy Instagram post.
Also covering this story
17 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Lionel Messi prepares for his final match for Argentina - AP News
‘Perhaps the saddest day of my career’ - Lionel Messi says emotional farewell to Argentina
Messi bids Argentina farewell after last match
Messi says Argentina retirement is 'saddest day of my career'
Perfect farewell! Otamendi savours final Messi assist as Argentina stars salute outgoing king
Lionel Messi's final message to fans at farewell match: "Playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you"
What's next for Messi after Argentina retirement? His career is not over yet
Messi's Farewell Match: How to Watch the Argentina vs. Benin International Friendly for Free
Messi calls time on 'the most wonderful thing'
Lionel Messi farewell game - Argentina vs Benin HIGHLIGHTS: Messi retires from international football after a goal, two assists in final appearance
Lionel Messi bids a tearful farewell to Argentina after 3-0 win over Benin
Messi retires from international football as Argentina defeat Benin in friendly match
Emotional Lionel Messi ends Argentina career in perfectly scripted finale against Benin
Emotion, tears as Messi retires from Argentina national team
Messi scores in farewell as Argentina beat Benin
Watch fans arrive LIVE at Messi's last Argentina match
Lionel Messi final match live stream: Argentina vs. Benin start time, TV channel, how to watch
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in