Lionel Messi has faced criticism from some football fans after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football. The controversy comes just weeks after Ronaldo publicly paid tribute to Messi following his Argentina farewell.
Messi Faces Criticism for Staying Silent After Ronaldo Announces International Retirement
Lionel Messi has unexpectedly become the centre of controversy after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5.
The Portuguese superstar ended his remarkable 23-year international career, receiving emotional tributes from football stars around the world.
However, one famous name has attracted particular attention.
Messi has not made a verified public statement about Ronaldo’s retirement, leading some fans to question his silence.
Messi faces questions after Ronaldo’s retirement
Following Ronaldo’s emotional announcement, several famous players shared messages of respect and appreciation.
Bruno Fernandes, Neymar and other football stars paid tribute to the Portuguese legend.
However, as of November 6, no public farewell message from Messi has been independently confirmed.
Some supporters believe the Argentine superstar should publicly recognise Ronaldo’s incredible international career.
Others argue that Messi has every right to remain silent and that public messages do not prove how much respect two players have for each other.
Ronaldo previously paid tribute to Messi
The controversy has attracted even more attention because Ronaldo publicly supported Messi just weeks earlier.
On October 7, after Messi retired from international football, Ronaldo left a respectful message under the Argentine star’s Instagram post.
He praised Messi’s achievements with Argentina and recognised his incredible contribution to international football.
Ronaldo’s message was widely praised as a beautiful moment of respect between two of football’s greatest rivals.
That earlier gesture is now being mentioned by fans who expected Messi to respond in a similar way.
Fake Messi messages spread online
The situation has also created confusion on social media.
Several screenshots appeared online claiming that Messi had commented on Ronaldo’s retirement announcement.
Some showed emotional messages, while others included jokes about their famous rivalry.
However, Portuguese fact-checking outlet PolÃgrafo confirmed that several of these images had been manipulated.
There is currently no verified evidence that Messi posted those messages.
Football fans remain divided
Messi and Ronaldo spent more than 15 years competing at the highest level, creating one of football’s greatest rivalries.
Both players have now reached the end of their international careers after winning major trophies and setting remarkable records.
While Ronaldo publicly praised Messi after his Argentina farewell, the Portuguese legend’s retirement has not yet received a verified public response from his longtime rival.
However, Messi’s silence does not necessarily mean he has ignored Ronaldo or failed to respect his achievements.
For now, the situation continues to create debate among supporters, with many wondering whether Messi will eventually send a public message to Ronaldo.
