Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after Argentina farewell: ‘A story that will last forever’

Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Barcelona icon’s emotional farewell from international football, offering a rare public display of admiration for one of his greatest rivals.

Messi shared a series of photographs on Instagram following his final appearance for Argentina, bringing an emotional chapter of his international career closer to an end. 

Among the many messages underneath the post was one from Ronaldo, who took the opportunity to recognise what the Argentine has achieved with his national team.

The Portuguese superstar’s words stood out given the extraordinary rivalry the two forwards have shared throughout their careers.

Ronaldo sends Lionel Messi heartfelt message

Ronaldo responded directly to Messi’s Instagram post with a message highlighting the longevity and significance of his former rival’s international career.

“Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will last forever. 

“All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug,” the Portuguese player wrote.

🇵🇹🫂🇦🇷 Cristiano Ronaldo: “Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will live on forever”. “You have all my respect for everything you’ve achieved with Argentina. A hug”. https://t.co/MKEeaSWPGe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 7, 2026

The message quickly attracted significant support from fans, earning more than 4 million likes, with Ronaldo making it clear that his respect for Messi extends beyond their individual battle for footballing supremacy.

While the pair spent much of their careers being compared against one another, their paths with their respective national teams have developed very differently.

Messi eventually achieved his ultimate international ambition by leading Argentina to World Cup glory, while also collecting the Copa America. 

Ronaldo, meanwhile, helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the Nations League but has faced fresh uncertainty around his national-team situation.

Messi farewell receives reaction from football legends

Ronaldo’s tribute arrived during a complicated period for the Portuguese forward himself.

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A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

He has left the Portugal training camp and is understood to be involved in a serious disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus, creating an unusual backdrop to his message for Messi.

The contrast between the two stories is striking. Messi’s farewell has largely been influenced by celebration and recognition after years of achievement with Argentina, while Ronaldo’s current relationship with Portugal remains under scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the Argentine’s post also attracted a response from another Real Madrid icon, with former captain Raul Gonzalez joining Ronaldo in paying tribute to Messi.

“Congratulations Leo! I wish you all the best for you and your family,” he wrote.

For a generation of football fans, Messi and Ronaldo will forever be linked by their rivalry. 

Yet as Messi closes the door on his Argentina career, Ronaldo’s message offered a reminder that admiration can ultimately stand alongside competition.