Ronaldo salutes Messi after Argentina farewell: 'All my respect'

Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to his great sporting rival Lionel Messi, a day after the Argentina legend played his last match for his country, a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in which the 39-year-old scored one goal and set up two more.

Messi wrote a post on Instagram reflecting on his final international fixture for La Albiceleste.

It was the first time that Messi had spoken since revealing his farewell international match was the "saddest day" of his career.

Messi's greatest rival, Ronaldo, replied to the post and expressed his gratitude to the Argentine's international career with a heartwarming message.

"Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will last forever," the 41-year-old wrote.

"All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug."

The pair have dominated international and club football for over two decades, winning a combined 13 Ballon d'Or trophies between 2008 and 2023.

Messi has won football's most coveted individual honour eight times, while Ronaldo has lifted the iconic trophy on five occasions.

They competed at the FIFA World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico over the summer, but had remarkably different experiences.

Messi inspired Argentina to the final, producing eight goals and four assists before his side were eventually beaten by Spain.

Ronaldo found the back of the net three times during the tournament, but Portugal were eventually dumped out at the last-16 stage.

'I already miss wearing the blue and white'

Reflecting on his last international match, Messi wrote: "Yesterday was my last match, and I already miss wearing the blue and white.

"I know I am making the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of happiness and also some sadness, but I am certain it was worth every step I took.

"And I’m still left with a lot to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in just a few words or a post.

"This journey would’ve been impossible without my family, who have always been by my side and supported me, especially during the most difficult moments when I needed them the most.

"My friends, all of my colleagues and managers have been essential, as well as the technical staff. I don’t want to forget Diego [Maradona], who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know that he has helped us from heaven in every step we took.

"Thanks to my previous clubs, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country when it was time to put on the national team shirt.

"And of course, I give my thanks to God: without His guidance and His will, we wouldn’t even dreamt of reaching this far. I’m so grateful. I love you so much, I will miss you and I always will thank you for being by our side and my side."

Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2006, coming off the bench in a 2-1 triumph over Hungary before being sent off within a minute of his introduction.

He finishes his international career with one World Cup, as well as two Copa America titles.

The forward is also the second-top goalscorer in World Cup history with 21, just one behind Kylian Mbappe on 22.

He is also the second-top goalscorer in the history of international football, having found the back of the net 126 times compared to Ronaldo's remarkable record of 146.

Messi's international career may have drawn to a close this week, but Ronaldo's could yet go on.

However, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star has endured a difficult few days with Portugal.

Ronaldo left Portugal's squad after earlier this week after being an unused substitute in his side's 4-2 victory over Norway on September 27.

He went on to accuse Portugal manager Jorge Jesus of "broken promises" regarding his involvement in the most recent run of UEFA Nations League games.

"It was the second time he had broken his word to me," Ronaldo said. "I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises."