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.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Cristiano Ronaldo honors Lionel Messi’s Argentina retirement with touching message
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.
Ronaldo left a sweet message on Messi’s latest Instagram post.
“Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever,” Ronaldo wrote. “All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.”
Cristiano Ronaldo commented on Messi’s post, reflecting on his last match with Argentina 🙌 Respect from Ronaldo 🤝 https://t.co/5LEZciYpbY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 7, 2026
The two have enjoyed opposing finishes to their international careers, with Messi going out gracefully, earning World Cup Silver Ball honors after leading the Argentines to their third World Cup Final in four tournaments.
He ended his Argentina career in style on Tuesday, tallying one goal and two assists to put La Albiceleste past Benin in front of 85,000 in Estadio Monumental.
MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo apologizes for leaving Portugal camp, says he will not retire yet
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has been locked into a high-profile spat with new Portugal boss Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo abruptly left Selecao’s camp one day before it was due to take on Denmark in UEFA Nations League play. His shock decision came days after multiple reports emerged claiming that the famed forward had a tantrum after failing to be substituted late in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway earlier in the international window.
Ronaldo rarely has been able to avoid controversy, especially at this point in his career. Nevertheless, it was a nice enough touch for him to celebrate the achievements of the only man capable of wrestling the title of world’s greatest player off of him for the best part of a decade.
FARRELL: Ronaldo’s tantrum in Messi’s shadow would be a sad ending for legend
