Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may have been at each other's throats since they became unequivocally the best two players in the world, but the Portuguese star has come out to offer words of support to the Argentine in the wake of last month's Copa America final, which saw Messi's side lose on penalties to Chile.
The defeat was Argentina's third loss in as many yearsat major tournament finals, all of them coming after 0-0 draws over the first 90 minutes - an extra time winner in the 2014 World Cup and twin penalty shootout dramas against Chile in the 2015 and 2016Copa America tournaments.
'It hurts to see Messi in tears': Barca star finds support from an unexpected source in rival Cristiano Ronaldo https://t.co/g2J3yqwkGB
Messi announced his retirement from international football immediately after the defeat at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey, leading to a number of leading figures both in and out of football asking him to reconsider his decision - but Ronaldo toldMundo Deportivothat people should respect his rival's choice.
He said: "Messi has taken a tough decision and people should understand. He is not accustomed to defeats and disappointments, not even finish the second. Missing a penalty does not make you a bad player.It hurts to see Messi in tears and I hope he returns to his country, because he needs it."
Ronaldo has also suffered an agonisingdefeat in a tournament with his national team in the past, losing the 2004 European Championships final against Greece on home soil in one of the biggest upsets in international footballing history.
Bale on facing Ronaldo: "It's not just about two players, it's about two nations in a semi-final." #PORWAL #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/F7XrGK7quB
The Real Madrid star could become the first of the pair to win an international tournament, with his Portugal side gearing up to face Wales in the Wednesday'sEuropean Championship semi-final in Lyon, France or Germany lying in wait for the winner of that match.
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