'History that will last forever': Ronaldo pays tribute to rival Messi after Argentina farewell

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Messi[/a], 39, delivered one final masterclass in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/argentina/f9OppQjp/"]Argentina[/a]'s blue and white on Tuesday, ‌scoring once and setting up two goals in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/argentina-f9OppQjp/benin-tKuIoRxU/?mid=E5j2p2At"]a ‌3-0 friendly win[/a] over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/benin/tKuIoRxU/"]Benin[/a] before more than 85,000 fans at ‌Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium, where his farewell became a celebration ‌of an extraordinary 21-year international career.[/p][p]"[b]Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I'm making ‌the right decision[/b]," Messi said in a lengthy ⁠Instagram post. "[b]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...[/b][/p][embed guid="dac5affd-1691-4ad5-ada4-a528a1a9eb22" url="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2107895582148657452" social-type="twitter" /][p]"[b]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[/b].[/p][p]"[b]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...[/b]"[/p][p]Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, while also helping them win the 2022 Finalissima.[/p][p]"[b]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[/b]," the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/inter-miami/0AheRyBg/"]Inter Miami[/a] playmaker added.[/p][p]Messi and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ronaldo-cristiano/WGOY4FSt/"]Ronaldo[/a] 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.[/p][embed guid="46642ec3-63e0-44df-ab75-0727badb0bc5" url="https://x.com/adidasfootball/status/2107473946828271956" social-type="twitter" /][p]"[b]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[/b]," Ronaldo said.[/p][p]Ronaldo, meanwhile, is embroiled in a dispute with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Portugal[/a] ⁠coach Jorge Jesus following ⁠his abrupt departure from the ‌national team's training camp.[/p]