Cristiano Ronaldo defended Lionel Messi after his decision to quit international football, saying “it hurts me to see Messi in tears”.
Messi, still only 29, decided to call time on playing for Argentina after missing a penalty in a Copa America final defeat to Chile last week.
Ronaldo, who has so often lined up against Messi for Real Madrid or opposite the Barcelona star in the Ballon d’Or running, defended the Argentine’s difficult decision.
“He has made a tough decision and people should understand it,” he said, as reported by Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
“He isn’t accustomed to defeats and disappointments, not even finishing second.
“Missing a penalty doesn’t make you a bad
Messi’s decision, while rooted in the emotion of losing another final, was also based on ongoing issues with the Argentinian FA.
Following the loss in the Copa final, Messi has suffered three successive heartbreaking losses with La Albiceleste, with the 2014 World Cup final defeat to Germany followed by successive losses on penalties to Chile.
Lionel Messi has scored 55 goals in 113 appearances for Argentina
The Barcelona forward has been wildly successful at club level, but only the 2008 Olympic gold medal with his country to show, having finished as runner-up in the Copa three times.
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner has shown signs he may reconsider his international retirement, with reports he may return in November for World Cup qualifiers.