Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi following Messi's retirement from international football. Messi, 39, announced his decision after his final game for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires. Ronaldo, 41, responded to Messi's Instagram post, expressing "utmost respect" for his accomplishments with Argentina, including leading them to the 2022 World Cup title, Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. The two football icons shared a storied rivalry for over 15 years, dominating the sport and winning 13 Ballon d’Or awards combined. Their club careers saw Messi at Barcelona and later Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, while Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and currently Al Nassr. Ronaldo recently apologized for his controversial departure from the Portuguese national team camp after a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus.