Ronaldo pays tribute to Messi after Argentina retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al-Nassr) has paid tribute to longtime rival Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami) following Messi's retirement from the Argentine national team.

Messi announced his retirement Wednesday (local time) via Instagram, writing: "Yesterday was my last match," and adding that he already missed wearing the light blue and white jersey, Yonhap reported.

Messi also mentioned Diego Maradona, saying he did not want to forget "Diego, who put our country where it deserves to be, and who, as I always say, helps us with every step we take here and from above."

"It was an incredible journey, with joy and also sadness, but I am certain that every step I took was worth it," Messi wrote.

Ronaldo responded to the post. "Leo, you played for your country for many years and wrote history that will last forever," he wrote. "I send my utmost respect for everything you achieved with Argentina."

Messi and Ronaldo have long been regarded as the greatest footballing rivals of their generation.

Messi started on the right wing in a three-forward lineup for Argentina's friendly against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, playing the full 90 minutes, scoring a penalty and adding two assists to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory.

The match was his farewell game; Messi had announced his retirement from the Argentine national team on Aug. 31 (local time).

Messi finished his international career with 126 goals in 208 appearances, a record that includes one World Cup title (2022), two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024) and one Finalissima title (2022).

When the final whistle blew, the referee and players from both Argentina and Benin embraced Messi on the pitch in recognition of more than 21 years of service to his country.

Above the stadium, a drone show lit up the sky to mark his retirement, forming the image of his No. 10 jersey and his face.

Messi has become the symbol of Argentine football, following in the footsteps of Maradona.