Lionel Messi published an emotional message to his fans after closing out his career with the Argentina national team, De Telegraaf reports. Cristiano Ronaldo responded to the farewell, according to the Dutch outlet.
The farewell came in Buenos Aires, where Messi took his final bow as an Argentina international by converting a penalty, De Volkskrant reports. The Dutch paper described tears flowing in the city as he ended his time with the national side.
In his message, Messi also paid tribute to Diego Maradona, NU reports. Ronaldo's reply was described by the outlet as a warm gesture toward his long-time rival.
Argentine media reflected on what Messi leaves behind, with AD.nl noting praise for an attitude said to be free of ego and arrogance, which the paper said brought happiness to millions of people. The coverage points to a career closing not only on trophies but on how he carried himself in the shirt.
The tributes from both sides of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, and from the Argentine press, mark the scale of the moment. De Telegraaf and NU both carried Ronaldo's reaction, while AD.nl focused on how Argentine outlets are processing the loss of their captain.
What to watch next: whether Messi or the Argentine federation adds further comment, and whether Ronaldo's response draws a reply.
