Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to pay tribute to his great rival Lionel Messi following his final Argentina game, saying he created “a history that will last forever.”
Messi won his 208th and final cap for the Albiceleste on Tuesday, scoring and providing two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin, on an emotional occasion in Buenos Aires.
Messi’s glittering international career ended with 126 goals, one World Cup win and two Copa America triumphs, as well as two further runner-up finishes at FIFA’s flagship tournament.
A visibly moved Messi addressed the crowd in the aftermath of Tuesday’s game, with many of his team-mates past and present hailing his achievements on social media.
So, too, did his great rival Ronaldo, who commented below a post on Messi’s Instagram account to pay his own respects.
“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.”
While Messi received a fitting farewell from Argentina during the international break, Ronaldo has been in the headlines for his unceremonious departure from the Portugal camp.
He accused head coach Jorge Jesus of “breaching his word” by leaving him on the bench during a Nations League win over Norway, also saying the Portugal boss went back on a deal to read a set of pre-agreed statements at a subsequent press conference.
Ronaldo, who says he remains available for selection by the Selecao, has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country – both all-time records in men’s international football.
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