Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Message for Lionel Messi Resurfaces After Argentina Star’s International Retirement

Footballing titan Lionel Messi has once again shocked the sporting world, announcing his second international retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, August 31, 2026. The emotional decision, made public via a lengthy social media post, comes at the age of 39, just weeks after Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final held in the United States. Lionel Messi Receives Emotional Note From Wife Antonela Roccuzzo After International Retirement.

Messi's announcement also revealed a deeply personal reason for the timing; he had penned his retirement statement on July 21, 2026, two days after the World Cup final, but delayed its release following the recent passing of his father, Jorge, in early August. "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside," Messi wrote, adding that he feels he has "nothing left to give" to the national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Empathy in 2016

The news inevitably casts minds back to Messi's first international retirement in 2016, a moment of profound disappointment after Argentina's third consecutive major final loss, the Copa América Centenario against Chile. That decision, made by a then 29-year-old Messi, had elicited a remarkably empathetic response from his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

At the time, Ronaldo had urged understanding for Messi's plight. "It hurts me to see Messi in tears and I hope he returns to his national team, because they need him," Ronaldo told Mundo Deportivo. He further added, "(Messi) is not used to defeats and disappointments, not even to finishing second. To miss a penalty does not make you a bad person. He has taken a difficult decision and the fans should accept it." These words, spoken a decade ago, resonate powerfully today as Messi once again steps away from the international arena.

A Triumphant Return and Legendary Haul

Ronaldo's wish for Messi's return came true. The Argentine maestro reversed his decision, embarking on a sensational period that saw him finally lift the coveted international trophies that had long eluded him. His return marked a golden age for La Albiceleste, culminating in an extraordinary collection of titles:

• Copa América: 2021
• FIFA World Cup: 2022
• Finalissima: 2022
• Copa América: 2024

These triumphs cemented his legacy as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, players of all time, fulfilling a career-long ambition to win major silverware with his beloved Argentina. He leaves the national team as Argentina's most-capped player with 207 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 125 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts To Lionel Messi's Emotional Post For Late Father Jorge.

The Final Chapter for Argentina

Messi's final appearance in an Argentina shirt came on July 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in the United States, where Spain defeated Argentina. While his international career with Argentina has concluded, Messi is set to continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).

As the football world digests this second, and likely final, international farewell from Lionel Messi, the poignant words of Cristiano Ronaldo from a decade ago serve as a stark reminder of the immense pressure and emotional toll that comes with representing a nation at the highest level. His departure marks the end of an extraordinary era, leaving behind an indelible mark on Argentine and world football.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2026 04:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).