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Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine's farewell to international football, praising his long-time rival for crafting a "story that will live on forever."
Messi played his final minutes for Argentina on Tuesday night before a packed crowd in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old brought down the curtain on a storied career with La Albiceleste, one that delivered a World Cup title and two Copa América championships, among numerous other accolades.
There wasn't a dry eye in the Estadio Monumental as Messi celebrated one last triumph for his nation, a 3–0 victory over Benin in which the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner contributed a goal and two assists. Tributes poured in from around the world as the all-time great took his final bow on the international stage.
Fans, coaches, players and even rivals offered heartfelt messages to Messi, including Ronaldo. "Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will live on forever," the Portugal skipper wrote on Instagram. "You have all my respect for everything you've achieved with Argentina. A hug."
Though the two headlined one of the greatest rivalries in sport for more than a decade, they never allowed the Clásico divide to taint their relationship or mutual admiration off the field.
Ronaldo himself appeared set to retire alongside Messi following his abrupt departure from Portugal's squad, but the 41-year-old put any retirement speculation to rest with a lengthy statement just hours before Messi's farewell fixture.
Messi Takes the Time to Reflect After Fairytale Sendoff
Messi had already delivered a moving farewell speech after Argentina's win on Tuesday, touching on everything from his most cherished moments with the national team to World Cup conspiracy theories that circulated widely this summer.
Less than 24 hours after his address, he turned to social media to share another goodbye message. "Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white," Messi began.
"I know I'm making the right decision. It was an incredible journey, filled with joy and also some heartache, but I'm certain it was worth every step I took. And I'm left with so much more to say. It's impossible for me to express everything I feel in just a few words or a single post.
"This journey would have been impossible without my family, who always stood by my side and supported me, especially during the tough times when I needed it most. My friends were equally essential, as were all the teammates and coaches I had, along with their staffs. 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 helped us by being there with us, even from heaven, every step of the way.
"Thank you to all the clubs I played for, for always respecting my wishes and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever it was time to pull on the national team shirt. And, of course, thanks to God: without His guidance and His will, we wouldn't even have dreamed of coming this far.
"I'm grateful. I love you all deeply, I'm going to miss you and I'll always be thankful for standing by our side, by my side."
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Luka Modrić Praises 'One of a Kind' Messi
Real Madrid icon Luka Modrić, another of Messi's former rivals from his Barcelona era, joined Ronaldo in paying tribute to the Argentina captain.
"What can I say about him? It's a shame he's retiring, but it's his decision and we have to respect it," Modrić told Cadena SER.
"He's accomplished something extraordinary with the national team; he's won the World Cup he wanted so badly. He's one of the finest players in the world, a truly one-of-a-kind talent, and it's been a privilege to watch him play, even though I've suffered greatly against him, both with Croatia and with Real Madrid."
On the road to 2022 World Cup glory, Messi and Argentina eliminated Croatia 3–0 in the semifinals, denying Modrić and his teammates a second consecutive World Cup final appearance. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner broke the deadlock from the penalty spot before Julián Alvarez's brace wrapped up the match.
"I wish him all the best," Modrić added.