"You have made history that will last forever," Ronaldo commented on Messi's Instagram post, adding:
"I have the greatest respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug."
Messi, 39, scored a goal and provided two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires in front of more than 85,000 fans. After the match, he wrote that he already missed wearing the blue-and-white national team jersey.
Messi ends his 21-year international career with the 2022 World Cup as its highlight and as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has won the Ballon d'Or, awarded to the world's best player, eight times, compared with Ronaldo's five.
