Ronaldo pays tribute to Messi after Argentine ends international career

Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo posted a message on social media on Thursday after Lionel Messi announced he was ending his career with Argentina's national team. Ronaldo, writing on Instagram, said he and Messi had shared the pitch for more than 15 years and that their mutual rivalry had pushed both to a higher level. Ronaldo wrote that the competition between them was real and that respect endured alongside it. He called Messi an inspiration and said the rivalry, constantly compared by millions of fans, had helped both players maintain their standards. He added that Messi was stepping away having left behind a legacy of fan affection, trophies, records and stardom, closing the message with the words: "Rest, you deserve it." Messi, who plays for Inter Miami and captains Argentina, confirmed in a written statement on Wednesday that he was ending his international career. He said the decision was painful but that he believed the timing was right.