Lionel Messi’s international retirement has brought back an emotional moment from 2016, when Cristiano Ronaldo publicly supported his long-time rival after Argentina suffered another heartbreaking final defeat. Almost 10 years later, Ronaldo’s words are being remembered for the respect they showed between two players who spent years at the centre of football’s biggest rivalry.
Messi’s First Retirement Came After Copa America Heartbreak
Messi’s first international retirement announcement came in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa America Centenario final to Chile.
The disappointment was part of a painful run for Messi and Argentina. The team had already lost the 2014 FIFA World Cup final to Germany and the 2015 Copa America final to Chile.
Argentina once again faced Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. After a goalless match, Chile won the penalty shootout 4-2.
Messi missed Argentina’s opening penalty, adding to the heartbreak of a player who had already endured several major final defeats with his country.
Following the loss, Messi announced that he was stepping away from international football.
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Messi Admitted The Defeats Had Hurt
After the 2016 final, Messi openly spoke about his frustration and disappointment.
The Argentina captain had reached another major final but once again failed to lift the trophy. At the time, he suggested that winning an international title with Argentina might simply not be meant for him.
It was a difficult period for Messi, who was facing intense criticism despite being one of the world’s best players.
Cristiano Ronaldo Came Out In Messi’s Support
Amid the criticism, Cristiano Ronaldo offered a different perspective.
Ronaldo said Messi had taken a difficult decision and that people should understand what the Argentine star was going through.
The Portuguese forward also defended Messi after his missed penalty, making it clear that one failed spot-kick did not suddenly make him a bad player.
Ronaldo admitted that seeing Messi crying after the defeat was difficult because Messi was not someone accustomed to losing or finishing second.
He also expressed hope that Messi would return to the Argentina national team because the country needed him.
Messi Returned And Changed Everything
Messi eventually reversed his decision and returned to international football.
That comeback completely changed the story of his Argentina career.
In 2021, Messi finally won his first major senior international trophy when Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa America final.
The success was followed by another major triumph in 2022, when Argentina won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Messi played a central role throughout the tournament and finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him for so long.
Argentina then added another Copa America title in 2024, further strengthening Messi’s international legacy.
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Ronaldo’s Old Comments Have New Meaning
Ronaldo’s comments from 2016 now feel particularly significant.
At the time, Messi was a player devastated by another final defeat and uncertain about his future with Argentina. Ronaldo, despite being his biggest individual rival, chose to defend him rather than criticise him.
Almost a decade later, Messi’s international career has a completely different ending.
The player who once walked away after repeated final defeats eventually became a World Cup champion and one of the most decorated footballers in Argentina’s history.
Messi’s International Legacy
Messi’s journey with Argentina went through some of the highest highs and lowest lows imaginable.
He experienced repeated final defeats, intense criticism and even announced his international retirement. But his decision to return ultimately led to the most successful period of his Argentina career.
His World Cup triumph in Qatar remains the defining moment, while his Copa America victories further cemented his status as an Argentina legend.
Now, with Messi officially stepping away from international football, Ronaldo’s words from 2016 serve as a reminder of a different side of their famous rivalry — one built not only on competition, but also on mutual recognition between two extraordinary players.
