Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Lionel Messi after playing last Argentina game

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentinebid farewell to international football, setting aside one of football's defining rivalries. Messi, 39, signed off on an extraordinary 21-year international career on Tuesday, scoring once and providing two assists during a 3-0 friendly victory against Benin in front of more than 85,000 supporters in Buenos Aires.

"Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I'm making the right decision," Messi wrote in a lengthy Instagram post.

"It's been an incredible journey, full of joy and also some sadness, but I know for sure that every step I took was worth it. 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 both by being here with us and also from heaven, with every step we took.

Thank you to the clubs where I played, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever it was time to put on the national team jersey." Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup trophy alongside back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima. I love you all very much; I'm going to miss you, and I will always thank you for having been by our side, by my side, the Inter Miami playmaker added.

Messi and Ronaldo have competed for recognition as the leading footballer of their era throughout their careers, and the 41-year-old Portuguese forward was among those who replied to the post. "Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you've made history that will last forever.

I have the utmost respect for what you've accomplished with Argentina. Ronaldo is currently involved in adispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesusfollowing his sudden departure from the national team's training camp."