India, Oct. 8 -- While Lionel Messi had the perfect farewell to his international football career - goals, assists, happy tears, hugs and a ceremony in front of his home crowd - Cristiano Ronaldo found himself in the middle of turmoil at the Portugal camp. But putting their rivalry aside, the Portuguese superstar paid a touching tribute to Messi after the Argentine played his final match for his country at the Monumental against Benin.

Weeks after the end of the 2026 World Cup in North America, Messi announced his retirement from international football with Argentina. The country's federation, however, arranged a farewell game for him at the Monumental on October 6. Messi scored a goal and provided two assists in Argentina's win over Ben...