Ronaldinho advised Messi to enjoy life

Ronaldinho said that Lionel Messi wrote his name in the history of Argentina and the whole world.

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team.

The Argentine Football Association called Messi to a friendly match against the Benin national team, which will be his farewell.

MOSCOW, October 7 - RIA Novosti. Former Brazilian national team player and 2005 Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho said that Lionel Messi wrote his name in the history of Argentina and the whole world with his play, and also wished him success in his future career.

At the end of August, Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in the North American Major League Soccer (MLS), announced his retirement from the national team. The Argentine said that he made this decision on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. In September, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) called Messi to a friendly match against the Benin national team, which will be held on the night of October 7 at the Monumental Stadium and will be his farewell.

"What a pleasure and what a joy it is to be part of your story from day one, brother! You made us smile so much and enjoy football! Your name is inscribed in the history of your country, the whole world. Only we know the joy that you experienced when you realized your childhood dream - to represent the whole nation and become a world champion! You gave everything for your team and your country. I understand you perfectly and I know that everything connected with the family makes us reconsider our priorities. Enjoy life, brother. I wish you everything “The best, today and always,” Ronaldinho wrote on Instagram*.

Ronaldinho and Messi played together for the Spanish Barcelona from 2004 to 2008. The Brazilian became one of Messi's first partners in the main team and assisted the Argentine on his first goal for Barcelona.

Messi is 39 years old, he is the top scorer in the history of the Spanish championship, Barcelona and the Argentina national team. The striker is also the only eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in history. Messi played 207 matches for the Argentina national team and scored 125 goals. Together with the national team, he won the America's Cup twice (2021, 2024), won the 2022 World Championship, twice won silver medals at the world championship (2014, 2026) and became the winner of the Finalissima (2022).