Cristiano Ronaldo paid the ultimate tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina superstar played his final game for the national team on Tuesday, October 6. Messi starred for the Albiceleste against Benin at the Monumental in his international football swansong, scoring a goal and setting up two assists.
Once the match was done, Messi put up a lengthy post on Instagram, saying that he already missed wearing the jersey of Argentina. The 39-year-old said that it was the right time for him to move on from the national team and paid tribute to his family and teammates.
Messi also fondly remembered the late great Diego Maradona, saying that the football icon was the one who helped make Argentina a force in the sport.
Many of the current and retired footballers paid their tribute to Messi, with Ronaldo leading the way with a touching message to his one-time rival on the field.
The Portuguese star replied to the post, saying that history created by Messi will live on forever and also sent a hug to him.
"Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug," said Ronaldo.
This was not the first time that Ronaldo has sent a message to Messi on Instagram. He offered his condolences and support to the Argentine star after his father, Jorge, passed away in August.
RONALDO VS MESSI: A RIVALRY THAT DEFINED FOOTBALL
The Ronaldo vs Messi rivalry is widely considered to be one that has defined football in the modern era. The rivalry started in 2007 when both men were fighting with Kaka for the Ballon d'Or.
Since then, for the next 10 years, every single FIFA Best Player award and Ballon d'Or was shared between the two. The rivalry gained momentum when Ronaldo joined Real Madrid and was going up against Messi's Barcelona in Spain with every El Clasico being considered as the marquee game in club football.
Despite the rivalry, both men have always shown respect to each other on and off the field.
On the international stage, both men faced each other twice and has shared one win apiece.
Source: India Today