"History will live forever"—Ronaldo's emotional message to Messi
The Portuguese superstar wrote: “Leo, you have represented your country for so many years and created a history that will live forever. I have the utmost respect for everything you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.”
XtraTime Web Desk
Their rivalry on the football pitch has produced countless chapters in the history of the game. But once again, it has been proved that the mutual respect between them has never diminished off the field. On the day Lionel Messi bid farewell to international football, Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to the Argentine superstar.
On Tuesday, October 6, Messi played his final match for Argentina against Benin. In front of a packed Monumental, the 39-year-old scored a goal and also provided two assists. After the match, Messi posted a lengthy message on social media to announce his farewell to the national team jersey. He admitted that he had already started missing the feeling of wearing Argentina’s colours, while thanking his family, teammates and everyone associated with Argentine football.
In the same post, Messi also remembered the late Diego Maradona. Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, responded to the post with a message of respect and admiration.
The Portuguese superstar wrote: “Leo, you have represented your country for so many years and created a history that will live forever. I have the utmost respect for everything you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.”
Ronaldo’s message carries special significance in the football world. For nearly two decades, the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry has been one of the defining attractions of modern football.
Since 2007, the two superstars have repeatedly competed for the Ballon d’Or and the honour of being recognised as the world’s best player. After Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, the rivalry intensified further as his Madrid side repeatedly faced Messi’s Barcelona. El Clasico became one of the most eagerly anticipated rivalries in world football.
Yet their on-field competition never overshadowed their mutual respect. Messi and Ronaldo have also faced each other twice at international level, with both players having won one match each.
On the day of Messi’s international farewell, Ronaldo’s heartfelt message seemed to provide a fitting and beautiful conclusion to one of the greatest rivalries football has ever witnessed.
