Lionel Messi officially waves farewell to Argentina with emotional statement and admits his final send-off brought ‘joys and sorrows’ – prompting reply from long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi’s emotional farewell message to Argentina fans inspired a reply from an unlikely source – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Having scored in his final outing in front of 85,000 supporters for his goodbye game on Tuesday night at Estadio Monumental, Messi cut an emotional figure on the pitch and has now reflected on the ‘joys and sorrows’ of his international career.

Ronaldo, who posted a very different kind of statement explaining his explosive Portugal walkout just a day earlier, was among those to offer some kind words in reply to his old foe.

The 41-year-old wrote: ‘Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug.’

Messi, 39, who inspired Argentina to their World Cup triumph four years ago, had been overwhelmed by the reception he was given on Tuesday in Buenos Aires.

His statement read: ‘Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white. I know I’m making the right decision. It was an incredible road, filled with joys and also some sorrows, but I’m clear that it was worth every step I took.

Lionel Messi, pictured overcome with emotion during a drone tribute at the end of his final Argentina match, shared his parting message online after the game

Cristiano Ronaldo posted a kind message to his old rival, who hung up his international boots

‘And I’m left with a lot to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post. This trip would have been impossible without my family, who always stood by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult times, when I needed it most.

‘They were also indispensable my friends, all the colleagues and technicians I had, along with their technical bodies.

‘I don’t want to forget Diego, who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know that he helped us being here with us and also from heaven, in every step we took.

‘Thanks to the clubs I played in, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country when it was time to put on the national team shirt. And, of course, thank God: without His guidance and His will, we wouldn’t even be dreaming of having come this far.

‘I am a grateful person. I love you so much, I will miss you and I will always thank you for being by our side, by my side.’

Messi netted a penalty against Benin, taking his final tally of Argentina goals to 126 in 208 appearances. He also delivered 62 assists and has won more World Cup games (23) than any player in history.

He won six trophies on the international stage at all age levels and retires from international duty regarded as the greatest player of his generation.

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) accused Jorge Jesus (right) of breaking promises and outlined exactly why he walked out on Portugal in a 2000-word statement

While Messi is being garlanded with praise for his achievements, his old rival Ronaldo is embroiled in a row that has threatened to tarnish his own legacy with the national team.

Ronaldo published a 2000-word statement eviscerating manager Jorge Jesus for ‘broken promises’, apologising to his team-mates and Portugal fans for walking out on the team and even comparing himself to Pele.

Ronaldo also posted the extraordinary eight points of apology he says he agreed Jesus would give publicly.

Ronaldo rounded off his statement by declaring himself available after any suspension is dished out to him, calling it the ‘purest of truths’.

‘If I am physically well, playing for my club, with goals I hope, after serving the suspension that may be applied to me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,’ he pledged.

Whether it is possible for Jesus and Ronaldo to reconcile remains to be seen but with his 42nd birthday approaching in February, the explosive row could well be the end of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future in competitive international football.

THE EIGHT-POINT APOLOGY RONALDO WANTED

1. I myself, and no one else, proposed to Cristiano a plan for him this sporting season with the National Team. It was a long and very good conversation.

2. I know how much he lives and loves the national team and the weight he has in the world, and even more the weight and the positive influence he has had on the national team for 24 consecutive years.

3. The plan I proposed to Cristiano was accepted.

4. He never questioned my options. He was exemplary, loyal and professional.

5. The match in Norway was not part of the plan I drew up for him. However, I felt that he had managed to recover physically from the first match and I warned him that I might have to use him. Cristiano agreed.

6. I made a mistake by putting someone of the stature of Pelé or Maradona on to warm up and then not putting him in the game. If it were today I would not do it.

7. To close the subject: I want Cristiano in the National Team. In fact I do not want him a little, I want him a lot. Fortunately he also believes in me. He believed at Al Nassr and he does here as well.

8. About not greeting the fans. We have already spoken about that. Someone who has played more than 230 matches for the national team does not receive lessons from me on love for Portugal. It was a moment of frustration that erases nothing. He is the player who gives the most autographs, takes the most selfies, and shows the most affection to the fans. Let us not invent problems where they do not exist. When we are not happy we react.

When asked about Ronaldo’s statement attacking him, Jesus replied curtly: ‘I read the statement, and now, as I do every day, I’m going to the federation to work, to think about the team and the national team.’

In spite of Ronaldo’s own self-inflicted circumstances, the message to his old foe is to his credit and the years they spent vying for the Ballon d’Or and competing with each other as talismanic presences for Real Madrid and Barcelona shaped the rivalry for years.

Ronaldo is still desperate to reach 1000 career goals and wants to net the landmark figure in the colours of his country. Whether he’ll be reintegrated after his latest damaging behaviour remains to be seen.

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