‘Beautiful’ – Cristiano Ronaldo turns heads with message to Lionel Messi after Argentina retirement – HITC

Cristiano Ronaldo commented on Lionel Messi’s Instagram after the 39-year-old played his final match for Argentina.

Messi scored once and got two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin on October 6, the final international game of his career. The Argentine legend steps away from the Albiceleste after 21 years, and the football world was overflowing with tributes.

The most notable one came from Messi’s career rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Amid major internal issues between Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team, Ronaldo took a moment to commend his biggest rival for an enviable international career.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s simple congratulatory message for Lionel Messi

Ronaldo commented under Messi’s latest Instagram post about his final game with Argentina, sharing his respect for the 39-year-old legend after an incredible career.

“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.”

Their rivalry has dominated world football for 20 years. Even with Messi’s international accolades comfortably surpassing Ronaldo’s over the last five years, the Portuguese legend swallowed his pride to recognise the legendary career that Messi wrapped up with Argentina.

Fans were happy to see this moment between the two legends.

“Football is so beautiful, thanks to the two of you,” said one appreciative fan.

“This is just pretending to get applause; we all know his ego lmfao,” said one angry fan.

“Ronaldo previously sent Messi encouraging messages after he retired following a missed penalty, expressing hope that he would return. Now he’s publicly praising Messi on his retirement post. Yet some of Messi’s fans will still find ways to attack Ronaldo,” said a fan.

“Top 10 respect moments,” were the simple thoughts of one fan.

“He could do the same as Messi and understand that it’s time to retire from the Portugal national team, but he prefers to keep being disrespected,” remarked one fan about Ronaldo’s current standoff with Portugal.

“God bless you, Ronaldo, you legend, you humble one,” said one fan sarcastically with a picture of Ronaldo previously mocking Messi’s national team career on Instagram before the 2022 World Cup.

While Messi’s international career has ended on an incredible high, Ronaldo is waiting for the Portuguese head coach Jorge Jesus to acquiesce to his eight demands before returning to the national team set-up.