Cristiano Ronaldo posted a tribute to Lionel Messi after Messi's final Argentina match, while Ronaldo himself is embroiled in a dispute with Portugal's coach.
Ronaldo commented on Messi's Instagram post with a tribute that has over six million likes.
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.
Messi played his final Argentina match, a 208th cap, in an international friendly against Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
In his farewell match, Argentina defeated Benin with Messi contributing a goal and two assists. More than 85,000 fans filled the Monumental stadium to honor Messi.
Yesterday was my last match and I already miss wearing the sky blue and white
After his final Argentina match, Messi posted an emotional message on Instagram, saying he already misses wearing the national team's colours. He expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, and coaches for their support throughout his career.
Messi paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona, saying he believed the Argentine legend helped the team both during his lifetime and from heaven. He also thanked the clubs he represented, acknowledging their support whenever he was called up for Argentina.
Messi leaves as Argentina's record scorer and appearance maker, having won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa Americas, and the Finalissima.
Divergent paths
The moment encapsulates the intertwined legacies of the two greatest footballers of their generation: Messi exits the international stage on a high, while Ronaldo's future with Portugal is uncertain.
This week, Ronaldo issued a statement of nearly 2,000 words confirming he is not retiring from international football and remains available for selection. However, he left Portugal's training camp before their match against Denmark.
Ronaldo said Portugal manager Jorge Jesus committed an absolute breach of trust and twice broke his word to him. The dispute arose after Ronaldo was unhappy about being left out of the starting lineup in Portugal's previous match against Norway.
Ronaldo explained that Jesus had agreed to a plan for the forward to miss the Norway and Denmark matches to manage his fitness, but on the day of the Norway game the coach told him he would play for 30 minutes.
Ronaldo recounted that a plan was agreed with Jesus in which the coach would clarify that the player had not demanded to play and that the coach had made a mistake by asking him to warm up without bringing him on. Jesus did not mention the agreed clarification in his next press conference, which led Ronaldo to leave the national team camp in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo said he deserved punishment from the Portuguese Football Federation, while Jesus said the door remained open for Ronaldo to return.
Lionel Messi
Age 39
Argentina
- 208 caps
- Record scorer and appearance maker
- 2022 World Cup winner
- Two Copa Americas
- Finalissima winner
Cristiano Ronaldo
Age 41
Portugal
- 234 caps
- Record international goals: 146
- Not retiring from internationals
- Walked out on training camp
- Dispute with coach Jorge Jesus
Messi and Ronaldo share 13 Ballon d'Ors between them; Messi has eight and Ronaldo five.
- Oct 6, 2026Messi's final Argentina match
Friendly vs Benin at Monumental, Buenos Aires
- This weekRonaldo walks out
Leaves Portugal camp ahead of Denmark match
- SundayMessi returns to club action
Inter Miami vs DC United
Messi will return to club action for Inter Miami on Sunday against DC United, while Ronaldo's next move with Portugal remains unresolved.
What we know
- Ronaldo commented on Messi's Instagram post.
- Messi played his final Argentina match on October 6, 2026.
- Ronaldo walked out on Portugal's training camp.
Still unclear
- The exact date Ronaldo posted his comment.
- The outcome of Ronaldo's dispute with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.
- Whether Ronaldo will be selected for Portugal again.
