Ronaldinho Sends Emotional Tribute to Lionel Messi After International Retirement

Ronaldinho posted a heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after the Argentine captain played his final game for the national teamMessi signed off with a goal and two assists in Argentina's 3-0 win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium on October 6The 39-year-old ends his international career as Argentina's all-time leader in caps, goals and assistsPAY ATTENTION: Mark YEN.com.gh as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!

Brazil and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has honoured Lionel Messi following the Argentine's retirement from international football.

The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner shared a deeply personal message that touched on their shared journey from childhood ambitions to becoming world champions.

Ronaldinho sends an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after his international retirement. Photos by Marcos Brindicci and Buda Mendes. Source: Getty ImagesMessi's farewell match for ArgentinaMessi made his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday, October 6, in a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, where more than 85,000 supporters gathered to bid farewell to their captain, according to Sky Sports.

The 39-year-old departed the international stage in fitting fashion, setting up Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz before converting a penalty to score his 126th goal for Argentina.

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The appearance was also his 208th cap for the national side, extending his own record.

Speaking to the crowd after the match, Messi said:

Ronaldinho, who lined up alongside Messi during their time together at Barcelona, reflected on what the Argentine meant to him personally and to the sport as a whole.

In a public message, he wrote on Instagram:

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Messi concluded his 21-year international career holding every major record for Argentina, finishing with 208 caps, 126 goals and 70 assists, per Transfermarkt.

His trophy cabinet with the national side includes a FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles, a Finalissima and an Olympic gold medal, a collection that cements his standing as the greatest player in the country's history.

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Lionel Scaloni has named Cristian Romero as Argentina’s new captain following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.

The Atlético Madrid defender previously served as the team’s third captain behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi.

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Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin’s career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: [email protected].