The Portugal and Real Madrid winger has spoken about Messi's international retirement after failing in a major tournament final for the fourth time
Messi says he has retired from international football and Ronaldo has shown sympathy with him
Cristiano Ronaldo has allegedly claimed that it HURTS him to see Lionel Messi cry.
Argentina ace Messi quit international football after losing his fourth major final earlier this month as Chile claimed Copa America glory on penalties.
Messi was visibly dejected when he sat on the turf following the shootout defeat but has found unlikely sympathy from one of his greatest rivals.
Despite the decade-long duel between the pair to be named the best player on the planet, Ronaldo appears to have put aside their rivalry to comment on Messi's international retirement.
He reportedly told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo: "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, of course, plays for Real Madrid, where he has laboured to fewer titles that he would have liked due to Messi's Barcelona's dominance in Spain.
But like Messi, Ronaldo has never claimed a major international tournament victory.
The 31-year-old lost to Greece while representing Portugal in the final of Euro 2004 - but could get the chance to right history if he inspires his side to semi-final success over Wales on Wednesday.
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