Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts to Lionel Messi's Final Argentina Match

«Лео, ты столько лет бился за свою страну и историю, которая будет жить вечно. Все мое уважение к тому, чего ты добился со сборной Аргентины. Обнимаю», — wrote Cristiano Ronaldo in the comments beneath Lionel Messi’s public farewell post, acknowledging a career defined by international perseverance and historic achievement.

The public acknowledgment followed Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin in a friendly match in Buenos Aires, which served as Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the national team. During the fixture, the 39-year-old forward converted a penalty kick and contributed two assists, closing an international chapter that began with his senior debut in 2005.

Additional reporting from Rossiyskaya Gazeta noted that Messi finished his career with La Albiceleste holding a record of 208 appearances and 126 goals, cementing his status as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts to Lionel Messi's Final Argentina Match — Photo: rg.ru

Messi Earns Best Player Honors at 2026 World Cup

The performance capped a remarkable summer campaign at the 2026 World Cup, where Messi featured in all eight of Argentina’s matches, logging 740 minutes on the pitch. He netted eight goals during the tournament, finishing second in the Golden Boot race behind France’s Kylian Mbappé, who scored ten. Following the tournament, voting bodies including the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) recognized Messi as the tournament’s best player.

Messi Confirms Retirement from International Competition

The farewell match followed a formal announcement made on August 31, when Messi shared a handwritten letter on social media confirming his retirement from international competition. In the statement, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner explained the physical and emotional toll of his run with the senior squad.

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«Я выложился по максимуму, мне больше нечего отдать. Это решение было болезненным — и до сих пор отдается болью в душе, но я понимаю, что время пришло», — wrote Messi in his retirement letter. Across his international career, he participated in six FIFA World Cups, setting tournament records with 34 matches played and 23 victories.

The definitive high point of that international journey arrived at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Messi led Argentina to its first world title in 36 years and the third in the nation’s history.

Messi Continues Club Career with Inter Miami

While Messi transitions away from international football, his club career continues with Inter Miami, the side he joined in the summer of 2023. Portal Transfermarkt currently values the forward at €15 million. Prior to his move to the United States, Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2023, capturing two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophée des Champions after leaving Barcelona, where he spent from 2000 to 2021 winning ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.

Rossiyskaya Gazeta noted in its coverage that Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portugal national team faces uncertainty following a recent departure from the squad’s training camp ahead of a UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark due to a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.