Ronaldo sends Messi a hug after emotional farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo sends a heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after the Argentina legend’s international farewell.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends a heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after the Argentina legend’s international farewell.

Cristiano Ronaldo posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute to Lionel Messi after Messi’s emotional farewell match, highlighting mutual respect as both icons near the end of their international careers.

Lionel Messi’s emotional goodbye to Argentina brought tributes from across the football world.

And now Cristiano Ronaldo has joined them.
The Portuguese star commented on Messi’s latest Instagram post after the Argentine played his final international match against Benin.

Ronaldo wrote:
“Leo, tantos años defendiendo a tu país y una historia que quedará para siempre. Todo mi respeto por lo que has logrado con Argentina. Un abrazo.”

In English, that roughly means:
“Leo, so many years representing your country and a story that will remain forever. All my respect for what you achieved with Argentina. A hug.”

It was a classy message from one football great to another after more than two decades in which Messi and Ronaldo dominated the sport and were constantly compared with each other.