Lionel Messi bid farewell to the Argentina national team with a social media post after playing his final match for his country at the Monumental. Following his post, there were numerous reactions from the world of sport, including a message from his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.##LINKED_NEWS_69666##The Argentina captain expressed his gratitude to his family, teammates, coaching staff, the clubs he represented, as well as the legendary Diego Armando Maradona.“Yesterday was my last match and I already miss the blue-and-white shirt. I know I am making the right decision. It has been an incredible journey, full of joy but also some sadness, but I am sure that every step was worth it. I still have so much to say; it is impossible for me to express everything I feel in just a few words. This journey would have been impossible without my family, who were always by my side and endured everything, especially during the difficult moments when I needed them the most.##TWITTER_<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo REPLIES to Leo Messi. https://t.co/Vud1TRypc0</p>— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) <a href="https://x.com/MadridXtra/status/2107896384414216699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>##My friends were also essential, as were all the teammates and coaches I have had. I do not want to forget Diego Maradona, who put our country where it deserves to be and who, as I always say, helped us both while he was with us and from heaven, with every step we took. Thanks also to the clubs I played for, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to join the national team. And, of course, thank God — without His guidance, we would never have dreamed of getting this far. I love you all very much, I will miss you, and I will always be grateful that you were there for us.”##LINKED_NEWS_69614##Cristiano Ronaldo also left a comment under the post, sending words of respect to the Argentine footballer and his great rival on the pitch.“Leo, so many years defending the colors of your country and a history that will last forever. My respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.” Messi and Ronaldo faced each other 37 times during their careers, including 36 official matches and one friendly.18:30 (3.05) Namungo FC (2.95) TRA United (2.40)