Cristiano Ronaldo has paid a warm tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine great played his last game for his country.

Messi, 39, played his final match on Tuesday. Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly. Messi scored one goal and set up two more. He played in front of more than 85,000 fans at the Monumental stadium.

Messi ended his international career with 208 caps and 126 goals. He won the World Cup in 2022, the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, and the Finalissima in 2022. He retired from international football on August 31.

After the game, Messi wrote on Instagram: “Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white.”

Ronaldo, 41, replied with a moving note. He said: “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.”

Brazil legends Ronaldinho and Neymar also paid tributes to Messi. The end of the Messi-Ronaldo era has left fans emotional.