Ronaldo Praises Messi After Argentina Farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo publicly praised Lionel Messi after the Argentine forward played his final match for Argentina, commenting on Messi’s farewell post with a message of respect for his national-team career and achievements. Messi’s final appearance came October 6, when Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. He scored from the penalty spot and assisted Argentina’s other two goals. The match closed a national-team career spanning more than two decades. Ronaldo posted his comment on October 7. He praised Messi for years spent representing Argentina, said his achievements deserved respect and sent him a hug. The message appeared beneath Messi’s Instagram post about the farewell. Reports of the tribute largely reproduce that same comment. Messi ended his Argentina career with 208 appearances and 126 goals, both reported as national records. His final match added one more goal to that tally. The result and his two assists gave him a decisive role in the 3-0 victory, which also marked the end of his international playing career.