Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Lionel Messi Heartfelt Message After Icon's Final Argentina Game

After playing his final game with the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi received a heartwarming message from another legendary striker.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo paid homage to Messi following his retirement from international competition, stating, "Leo, so many years of defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug."

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo defined the current era of soccer, as they are the two biggest legends of their generation. During their respective primes, they regularly faced off against one another for nine seasons while playing for rival clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. The two of them rewrote the record books while achieving individual and team success at the club and international levels, winning a combined 82 trophies between them. Messi won the all-time series against Ronaldo 17-11 with nine draws.

Tuesday's friendly against Benin marked Messi's 208th and final game for Argentina, and he went out in grand fashion. The 39-year-old capped off a 3-0 victory when he fired a penalty shot into the back of the net in the 71st minute for his 126th goal with the national team.

"I would love to keep coming back forever, because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you. The most beautiful thing," Messi said in his address to the crowd following the final whistle.

While Messi will stick to playing for Inter Miami in MLS going forward, Ronaldo is still starring at the national level, though he's been involved in a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old said in a statement on Tuesday that he would address his own farewell match when the time is right.

"I have heard a great deal of talk about farewell matches, that I must have a dignified farewell and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity," Ronaldo stated. "I learned in life, often hungry and with nothing to eat, that no one gives anything to anyone. I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that."