A hug”, Cristiano Ronaldo pays emotional adieu to Lionel Messi

Kolkata : Two icons, who defined Footballing generations – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for decades. Although they’ve on field rivalry, intense fan wars, the mutual love and respect amongst themselves never faded and it was evident after the Portuguese legend tributed Messi following the Argentine’s farewell match for the national team, recognising his enduring contribution to international football.

In Messi’s Instagram post which he posted few hours ago following his last ever international game in Argentine colours against Benin, Ronaldo commented saying, “Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.”

Messi concluded his international career in a memorable manner, scoring a goal and providing two assists as Argentina secured a 3-0 win against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday evening. The match, promoted as Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, saw the forward deliver a standout performance to cap a distinguished career and leave a lasting impression on the home supporters.

Following the game, Messi shared a letter reflecting on his career. He expressed, “Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white. I know I’m making the right decision. It was an incredible road, filled with joys and also some sorrows, but I’m clear that it was worth every step I took.”

The Argentine World Cup winning captain acknowledged having much left unsaid but found it difficult to convey his feelings briefly. He acknowledged his family for their unwavering support, especially during challenging moments, as well as his friends, teammates, and coaching staff.

Messi also paid tribute to the late Argentina World Cup winning legend Diego Maradona, whom he credited for elevating Argentine football and guiding the team from beyond. “I don’t want to forget Diego, who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know that he helped us be here with us and also from heaven, in every step we took,” he added.

Messi expressed gratitude to the clubs he represented for allowing him to dedicate himself fully to the national team when called upon. He concluded his message by thanking God for the guidance and opportunities he received: “Without His guidance and His will, we would not even be dreaming of having come this far.” He signed off saying, “I am a grateful person. I love you so much, I will miss you and I will always thank you for being by our side, by my side.”

Messi finishes his international career with 126 goals and 208 caps for Argentina, both national records. He is a two-time Copa America winner, securing titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as a FIFA World Cup winner. Messi ranks as the second-highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 21 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose, though Kylian Mbappe now holds the top spot with 22. His performance at the 2026 World Cup was exceptional, recording eight goals and four assists. Messi continues his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. But probably, most defining moment of his decorated career will always be winning 2022 World Cup for Argentina – a missing puzzle piece that the “Little Boy from Rosario” fulfilled that day by “shaking hands with paradise”.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, endured a difficult international break, with the 41-year-old Portugal forward leaving the national team following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. He subsequently published a lengthy statement expressing his dissatisfaction but has made himself available for Portugal’s next international break in November.

“Yesterday was my last match and I already miss wearing the blue and white,” Messi wrote in the post to which Ronaldo responded. “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 it.”

“And I still have many things to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post. This journey would have been impossible without my family, who were always by my side and supported me, especially in difficult moments, when I needed it most.”

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo defined the current era of soccer, as they are the two biggest legends of their generation. During their respective primes, they regularly faced off against one another for nine seasons while playing for rival clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid.