“Eternal Rivals”: Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Messi, “I Express My Respect… His National Team Achievements Will Live On Forever”

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Deep respect shone through the farewell of eternal rivals who had divided an era. Cristiano Ronaldo (41) paid a moving tribute to Lionel Messi (39), who put an end to his 21-year national team career.

Sports media outlet “Sports Illustrated” reported on the 8th (Korean time), stating, “Ronaldo expressed respect for his long-time rival Messi’s retirement from the national team and was praised for writing a story that will be remembered forever.” The report added, “The two players formed one of the greatest rivalries in football history for over 10 years, but off the pitch, they did not hesitate to show mutual respect.”

Following news of Messi’s retirement, Ronaldo left a heartfelt message on his personal social media (SNS), saying, “Leo, the many years you fought for your country and the story you have written will live on forever. I send my deepest respect for everything you achieved with Argentina. Sending a warm hug.”

Messi took off the Argentine national team jersey after a friendly match against Benin held at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the 7th. In his farewell match, Messi scored one goal and provided two assists, contributing to all three of his team’s goals in a one-man show.

He also left behind legendary records. Since his A-match debut in 2005, Messi recorded 126 goals and 70 assists in 208 matches over 21 years. He completed a legendary career by leading the team to victory at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and reaching the top of Copa America twice (in 2021 and 2024).

After the match, Messi said, “I am simply grateful for the sky-blue and white jersey. It will hurt a lot not being able to play for Argentina,” as his eyes welled up with tears.

On social media, he left a farewell message: “Yesterday was my last match, and I already miss the sky-blue and white jersey. It was an incredible journey where joy and sadness coexisted, but every step I took was worth it.”

Luka Modric, who had fiercely competed against him during his Real Madrid days, also expressed respect through Spanish media outlet “Cadena Ser.” Modric said, “It is a pity that he is retiring, but we must respect his decision. Messi achieved the incredible feat of winning the World Cup, which he had desired so much, with the national team. I suffered a lot facing him with the Croatian national team and at Real Madrid, but I was happy to watch him play. He is a unique player, one of a kind in the world.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original