Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Lionel Messi following international retirement

On October 7, 2026, football legend Lionel Messi officially announced the end of his international career with the Argentina national team. The announcement followed a celebratory event held at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, where the player received significant acclaim from his compatriots.

Following Messi's public post regarding his retirement, his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo publicly expressed his admiration for the Argentine star. In a widely reported social media comment, Ronaldo praised Messi’s dedication to his country, stating that he has created a legacy that will last forever and that he holds Messi in the highest regard for his achievements with the national team. This public interaction between the two athletes has generated considerable interest across global sports media, highlighting a moment of mutual professional respect between two of the game's most iconic figures.