Cristiano sends "a hug" to Messi: "All my respect for what you achieved"
Portuguese forward commented on a post by the Argentine, who has retired from the Albiceleste national team
Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to send a message to his eternal rival Lionel Messi, following the latter's retirement from the Argentina national team.
"Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will last forever. All my respect for what you achieved with Argentina. A hug," wrote CR7 on a post by the Inter Miami forward.
It is another sign of respect between two football legends who, together, have won 13 Ballons d'Or. Eight for Messi, five for Ronaldo.
Messi bid farewell to the national team following a friendly against Benin, in Buenos Aires, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. After the emotional encounter, he addressed another message to the Argentinians:
"Yesterday was my last match and I already miss wearing the Albiceleste shirt. I know I am making the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of joy and also some sadness, but I am sure that every step I took was worth it. And I still have a lot to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post," he began.