Lionel Messi publishes farewell letter and Cristiano Ronaldo responds

Lionel Messi ended his international career with the Argentina national team by scoring a penalty kick and providing two assists in a 3-0 victory against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, closing a journey that spanned over 200 appearances.

Messi Publishes Farewell Letter to Argentina

A day after his final appearance in the Albiceleste shirt, Messi published an extensive farewell statement on social media accompanied by photographs of his final match. The 39-year-old forward admitted he already misses wearing the national colors and confirmed he made the correct choice in stepping away from international competition.

Ayer fue mi último partido y ya extraño vestir la celeste y blanca. Sé que estoy tomando la decisión correcta. Fue un camino increíble, lleno de alegrías y también de algunas tristezas, pero tengo claro que valió la pena cada paso que di, Messi wrote in his opening statement. Y me quedaron muchas cosas por decir.

Ayer fue mi último partido y ya extraño vestir la celeste y blanca. Sé que estoy tomando la decisión correcta. Fue un camino increíble, lleno de alegrías y también de algunas tristezas, pero tengo claro que valió la pena cada paso que di, Messi wrote in his opening statement.

During his final match at the Monumental, the captain could not hold back tears as he shared the evening with his family and teammates. Over more than 200 matches with the senior national team, he established himself as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and captained the squad to its third World Cup title.

Family, Teammates, and Maradona Remembered

In his social media post, Messi divided his gratitude among the key figures who shaped his decades-long international career. He credited his family for standing beside him through difficult moments when he needed support the most.

Este viaje habría sido imposible sin mi familia, que siempre estuvo a mi lado y me bancó, sobre todo en los momentos difíciles, cuando más lo necesitaba, he stated.

The Argentine captain also acknowledged his friends, coaches, and support staff, singling out late icon Diego Maradona for special recognition. Messi expressed his belief that Maradona helped the country achieve greatness and continued to provide spiritual guidance from above throughout the team’s campaigns.

No quiero olvidarme del Diego, que puso a nuestro país donde se merecía estar y que, como siempre digo, sé que nos ayudó estando acá con nosotros y también desde el cielo, en cada paso que dimos, Messi added. He noted that his friends and all the teammates and coaches he had, alongside their coaching staffs, were also indispensable during the journey.

The forward also thanked the professional clubs he represented throughout his career for respecting his dedication to the national team, and concluded with a final expression of gratitude to God.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Public Tribute to Messi

Despite years of intense sporting rivalry while competing for titles in Europe, the Portuguese forward left a respectful message on Messi’s Instagram post. Cristiano Ronaldo, his historic sporting rival during an unforgettable era of world football, appeared among the comments to dedicate words to the Argentine.

Leo, tantos años defendiendo a tu país y una historia que quedará para siempre. Todo mi respeto por lo que has logrado con Argentina. Un abrazo, Ronaldo wrote.

For many years, both were permanently compared and starred in one of the greatest sporting rivalries in history, especially during their spells at Barcelona and Real Madrid, though those years as opponents never turned them into enemies.