Ronaldinho Dedicates an Emotional Message to Lionel Messi After His Final Match with Argentina
Lionel Messi closed the chapter on his Argentina career and received messages from football legends. But one of the most special came from Brazil, recalling a story that began more than 20 years ago.
Lionel Messi’s final match with the Argentina National Team was not only marked by the 3-0 victory over Benin and the captain’s goal. His farewell also prompted messages from figures who have been important at different stages of his career.
One of the most anticipated came from Brazil. Ronaldinho shared an emotional message for his former teammate at FC Barcelona, making it clear that his bond with Messi began long before the Argentine became a global legend.
Ronaldinho Was There for One of Messi’s First Great Moments
Their relationship has a memory that makes this message even more special. On May 1, 2005, Messi scored his first official goal for Barcelona, with the assist coming from Ronaldinho, who was one of the team’s biggest stars at the time.
Ronaldinho played an important role in Messi’s first steps in elite football. The two shared the dressing room from 2004 to 2008 and won five trophies, including two La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League.
“You Made Us Enjoy Football So Much”
“What a pleasure and joy it was to have been part of your story from the very first day, brother,” Ronaldinho wrote before reflecting on everything Messi has brought both on and off the pitch. The Brazilian emphasized that the Argentine left an enormous mark on his country and on world football.
Dinho also highlighted one of the most important parts of Messi’s international career: fulfilling the dream of representing his country and becoming world champion. For the Brazilian, Leo’s legacy is also tied to the effort he put in for years with Argentina.
Ronaldinho Tells Messi to Enjoy This New Chapter
The most personal part of the message came at the end. Ronaldinho said he fully understands that family can make a person reconsider their decisions and, rather than focusing solely on the farewell, encouraged Messi to enjoy what comes next.
Messi closes his Argentina chapter after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, and the 2022 Finalissima, as well as Olympic gold in 2008 and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Now, as a new chapter begins, someone who was close to his earliest steps wanted to say goodbye to him.
