The Day After: Ronaldo Pays Tribute as Messi Says He Already Misses the Argentina Shirt
BUENOS AIRES - The farewell reverberated into a second day. On October 7, Messi published a long social-media post saying the previous night had been his last game for Argentina, that he already missed wearing the blue and white, and that he knew the decision was right - an incredible journey of joy and some sadness in which every step was worth it. He remembered Diego Maradona and thanked his clubs for always respecting his wish to serve his country.
Cristiano Ronaldo, his rival of two decades, responded publicly with a tribute. The Portugal captain said Messi, after so many years defending his country, had made history that will last forever, expressed his utmost respect for what Messi accomplished with Argentina, and sent him a hug. Former teammates including Neymar also sent messages around the farewell, and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said Messi had made him grow as a footballer and as a person.
Reuters reported on October 7 that Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, the Copa America titles of 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 Finalissima, closing his international career at 208 caps and 126 goals. Landmarks across Buenos Aires glowed in sky blue and white on farewell night, and celebrations outside the Monumental ran late.
After the farewell, the questions for the Argentine FA and coach Lionel Scaloni turn from emotion to football: the captaincy, the shape of the next squad and how the road to the 2027 cycle begins. Messi himself returns to Inter Miami to continue his club season.
Sources: Compiled from Reuters reporting of October 7, 2026, on Ronaldo's tribute and its farewell match report.
Source: 路透社
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: C罗身披葡萄牙国家队球衣在比赛中控球，Ludovic Péron 摄，CC BY-SA 3.0（Wikimedia Commons）
