Ronaldo praises Messi after reported final Argentina appearance
Ronaldo’s message followed an Argentina match that an ANP/RTR report describes as Messi’s last for his country.
What has changed? · 07/10/2026, 22:06 UTC
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Lionel Messi has delivered a farewell message ahead of a scheduled match against Benin that Dutch news agency ANP describes as his last appearance for Argentina. In a video ANP says Adidas posted on social media, Messi says he is leaving in peace and has given everything. [1]
The 39-year-old is due to play at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires overnight from 6 to 7 October. ANP reports that he described Argentina’s shirt as his dream, his pride and his life, and thanked supporters for their affection. [1]
Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. ANP lists his international record before the scheduled Benin match at 207 appearances and 125 goals. [1]
Update
Argentina won a friendly 3–0 in Buenos Aires on the night of 6–7 October, according to ANP. Lionel Messi set up the first two goals before scoring the third from the penalty spot. [2]
ANP says the penalty was Messi’s 126th goal for Argentina and describes the match at Estadio Monumental as his 208th and final international appearance. [2]
Update
Cristiano Ronaldo praised Lionel Messi in an Instagram comment after what an ANP/RTR report describes as Messi’s final appearance for Argentina. Ronaldo expressed respect for Messi’s achievements with his national team and said he had made history that would endure, according to the report carried by Nieuws.nl. [3]
The report says Messi won his 208th cap in a 3–0 victory over Benin. It says he wrote the next day that he already missed Argentina’s colours but felt he had made the right decision. [3]
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