Cristiano Ronaldo’s Surprising Tribute to Lionel Messi Gets 2 Million Likes in an Hour

Cristiano Ronaldo surprises everyone once again. The Portuguese superstar, in the midst of national turmoil following his walkout from training camp and accusations against head coach Jorge Jesus, chose to dedicate a message to Lionel Messi, who on Tuesday night officially left the Argentine national team after his final match against Benin.

After the evening at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Messi posted a message thanking everyone: “It was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue-and-white colors. I know I’m making the right decision. It’s been an incredible journey, full of joy and even a few moments of sadness, but I’m certain every step I took was worth it.”

The Rosario native thanked his friends, teammates, coaches, and family. And he also thanked Diego Armando Maradona: “I don’t want to forget Diego, who took our country to where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know has helped us—both when he was here with us and from heaven—every step of the way.”

Among the very first to respond to Messi was Cristiano Ronaldo himself: “Leo, you’ve spent so many years defending your country and left a legacy that will last forever. You have my utmost respect for what you’ve achieved with Argentina. A big hug,” reads the message, which has already garnered nearly two million likes in just over an hour. Several members of the Argentine national team, including Di María, as well as celebrities from around the world, also responded to Messi.