Messi bids farewell to Argentina; Ronaldo responds with tribute

Lionel Messi has officially concluded his tenure with the Argentine national team, marking the end of a 21-year journey wearing the Albiceleste jersey. The announcement followed his final match for the country against Benin, which ended in a 3-0 victory early Wednesday morning.

In a message shared across his social media platforms, the captain described the game as his definitive goodbye. He expressed mixed emotions regarding the conclusion of what is considered one of the most significant careers in football history. "Yesterday's match was my last, and I already miss wearing the sky-blue and white shirt," Messi stated. "I know I am making the right decision. It was an amazing journey, full of joys as well as some sorrows, but I am sure that every step I took was worth it."

Messi reflects on legacy and loss

The forward acknowledged that words were insufficient to capture the depth of his feelings. He credited his family for their unwavering support during difficult times, noting that the journey would have been impossible without them. "There are still many things I want to say. It is impossible to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post," he added.

Messi dedicated part of his farewell to former teammates, coaches, and technical staff who accompanied him throughout his international career. He specifically honored the late Diego Maradona, stating that the legend helped place Argentina in its rightful position. "I do not want to forget Diego... I know he helped us, whether when he was here with us or from heaven, in every step we took," Messi wrote.

Gratitude toward clubs and faith

Concluding his message, the player thanked the clubs he represented for respecting his desire to play for his national team. He emphasized that they allowed him to dedicate himself to Argentina whenever called upon. "Thank you to the clubs I played for, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to devote myself to my country when it was time to wear the national team shirt," he said.

Messi also offered thanks to God, attributing his achievements to divine guidance. "Of course, thank you to God, because without His guidance and will, we would not even have dreamed of reaching here," he noted. He closed by expressing gratitude to his supporters: "I am grateful to you. I love you very much, and I will miss you, and I will always thank you for being there alongside us and alongside me."

Record-breaking international career

Spanning more than two decades, Messi’s involvement with the national squad included over 200 appearances. This volume of games established him as the all-time top scorer for Argentina, significantly ahead of other players. Wearing the number 10 shirt, he led the nation to victory in the 2022 World Cup and secured the Copa America title, leaving an indelible mark on the team's history.

Ronaldo offers respectful tribute

Cristiano Ronaldo responded to Messi’s announcement via Instagram comments, highlighting the long-standing rivalry that evolved into mutual respect between two of football’s greatest figures. "Leo, for many years you defended your country, and a story that will remain forever," Ronaldo wrote. "All my respect for what you achieved with Argentina. A hug."

This interaction occurred while Ronaldo faces challenges with the Portuguese national team coach, Jorge Jesus. The star had left the training camp and faced potential disciplinary action. However, on Tuesday, Ronaldo clarified that he does not intend to retire from international duty and wishes to continue playing.

This is not the first recent public acknowledgment between the two rivals. In August, Ronaldo set aside historical conflicts to offer supportive words to Messi, reinforcing the narrative of professional respect despite competitive differences.