Messi retires: after the Monumental party, Ronaldo replies

On Tuesday night, the Monumental in Buenos Aires stopped the match in the 10th minute so the crowd could sing for its number 10. Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly, and Lionel Messi played his 208th and last international. He completed the 90 minutes, scored his 126th goal from the penalty spot on 70 minutes and set up two more, for Otamendi and then Nico Paz. In front of more than 80,000 fans, a banner reading “Gracias por todo, mi capitán” and a drone show spelling “Gracias Leo” covered the celebration. Otamendi, 38, was also playing his last match for the Albiceleste.

Messi leaves through the front door

“It has been a very great pride for me to defend this shirt,” Messi said after the final whistle. “I have nothing but thanks.” He also named what comes next: “Not coming back will be a great pain.” The evening ended with a lap of honour, a folded shirt and a crowd that stayed on its feet.

Ronaldo replies, away from his own exit

On Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo commented on the Instagram post in which Messi announced his retirement. “Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will stay engraved in memories forever,” he wrote. “All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. I embrace you.”

The message comes from a 41-year-old living his own international break differently: he left the Portugal camp after a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus and has since made himself available for November. A departure in dispute on one side, a party at the Monumental on the other: the two farewells resemble each other as little as the careers that led to them.