Eight minutes.
That was how long it took Cristiano Ronaldo to leave his signature beneath the letter with which Lionel Messi said goodbye to the Argentina national team, according to Infobae.
“Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug”, the Portuguese star wrote on Instagram.
Messi ended his spell with 208 appearances in the Albiceleste shirt, following a friendly against Benin at Estadio Monumental on 7 October 2026. Argentina won 3-0, and Messi left with two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup.
The gesture comes at a difficult time for Cristiano himself. At 41, he is going through a crisis with Portugal after falling out with the coach and leaving the training camp.
This isn’t the first time he’s written to his eternal rival this year, either: according to the same outlet, in August, when Jorge Messi, Leo’s father, died, he left him another message: “A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong”.
Two decades of comparisons, sides, and endless debates. And in the end, a hug 🐐