Ronaldo hails his rival after Messi's grand farewell game

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo set aside one of soccer's great rivalries on Wednesday to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine said he had already started to miss representing his country following his emotional international retirement.

Messi, 39, delivered one final master class in Argentina's blue and white on Tuesday, scoring once and setting up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in front of more than 85,000 fans at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium, where his farewell became a celebration of an extraordinary 21-year international career.

"Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I'm making the right decision," Messi said in a lengthy Instagram post. "It's been an incredible journey, full of joy and also some sadness, but I know for sure that every step I took was worth it.

"I don't want to forget Diego (Maradona), who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know helped us both by being here with us and also from heaven, with every step we took.

"Thank you to the clubs where I played, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever it was time to put on the national team jersey."

Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, while also helping it win the 2022 Finalissima.

"I am grateful. I love you all very much; I'm going to miss you, and I will always thank you for having been by our side, by my side," the Inter Miami playmaker added.

Messi and Ronaldo have vied for recognition as the greatest player of their generation throughout their illustrious careers, with the 41-year-old Portuguese forward among those to respond to the post.

"Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you've made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you've accomplished with Argentina. A hug," Ronaldo said.

R o n a l d o, meanwhile, is embroiled in a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus following his abrupt departure from the n a t i o n a l team's training camp last week.

Ronaldo released a lengthy statement on Tuesday to explain his sudden departure from the Portugal camp in Copenhagen ahead of the side's Nations League fixture against Denmark, accusing coach Jesus of breaking promises.

'It's sad'

Former England striker Gary Lineker feels sad that Ronaldo's international career looks to have ended in acrimony, adding that the Portuguese great should have enjoyed similar scenes to Messi's uplifting Argentina finale.

It was Messi's final match in the famous blue and white and he was given an emotional ovation in Buenos Aires — scenes that Lineker said would have been fitting for Ronaldo, Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer with 146 goals.

"I think it's a bit sad because he's been so great. And, ultimately, in five years, 10 years' time, no one will remember this. We'll just remember how great he was," Lineker told reporters at the Leaders Week sports industry conference at Stamford Bridge in London.

"But, I think if you look at Messi's farewell, it was so beautiful. And I think Cristiano deserves the same."

Ronaldo and Messi have battled for the title of greatest living player for much of their illustrious careers. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times compared with Ronaldo's five, but neither are among the favorites for this year's award.

One player who is, however, is Lineker's compatriot Harry Kane. The England captain equaled his country's international appearance record of 125 caps on Tuesday against the Czech Republic, level with former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, and extended his leading scoring tally to 91 goals in the 3-0 win.

Lineker, who scored 48 goals for England, hailed Kane as one of the greatest players in the country's history, echoing comments from midfielder Jude Bellingham.

"I think he'd have to be in that conversation. Probably along with Bobby Charlton and maybe even Bobby Moore. I mean, look at his record, he's incredible," Lineker said.

"He's not just a goalscorer either, he's not just a box player like I was. He's way more than that. He can drop deep, he sprays passes everywhere, he scores all sorts of goals, both feet, head, he's got everything," he added.