With “touching” words, Ronaldo bids farewell to Messi after his last international match

(CNN) - Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo was keen to bid farewell to his Argentine counterpart, Lionel Messi, after playing his last match with the “Tango” national team.

Messi participated in a match in which Argentina defeated Benin, 3-1, at the Monumental Stadium on Wednesday night, and he scored a goal and assisted two others.

Later, Lionel Messi posted pictures of him in his last international appearance on his Instagram account, and commented: “The (Benin) match was my last match, and I really miss wearing the blue and white colors.”

He added: "I still have a lot to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or one post."

He continued: "This journey would have been impossible without my family, who were always by my side and supported me, especially during the most difficult moments when I needed them most."

Messi added: “My friends, all my colleagues and my manager played an essential role, as well as the technical staff. I do not want to forget Diego Maradona, who put our country in the position it deserves...”

He concluded: “I thank my former clubs for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country when it was time to wear the national team jersey.”

Ronaldo commented on Messi's post, saying: "Leo, many years you spent defending your country, and a story that will last forever. All my respect for what you achieved with Argentina, with my sincere regards."

Cristiano met Lionel Messi face to face in more than 35 matches for clubs and national teams, and they took each other to lead the football scene around the world over the past years by achieving individual and collective achievements.

It is noteworthy that the Inter Miami star also received farewell messages from Luis Suarez, Neymar da Silva, Ronaldinho and Javier Zanetti.