Cristiano Ronaldo on Lionel Messi after his retirement announcement following the 2016 Copa América final defeat: “When I saw Messi sitting there in tears after the final, I felt sad for him. People see the trophies, the goals, the Ballon d'Ors… but they forget the pressure he carries every single time he wears the Argentina shirt.” “Football can be cruel. One missed penalty, one lost final, and suddenly people forget everything you’ve done for your country. But greatness is not measured by one night.” “Messi has given football unforgettable moments for more than a decade. He gave everything for Argentina, even when the criticism became unfair and personal.” “I understood his pain because only players at that level know what it feels like to lose a final for your country. The expectations are enormous. Millions expect you to fix everything alone.” “That’s why I hoped he wouldn’t retire after that defeat. Football needs players like Messi. Rivalries are important, but respect is even bigger.” “In the end, history always rewards the greatest players… and Messi is one of them.”
