In stark contrast, Messi brought the curtain down on his illustrious Argentina career, where he has won one World Cup and two Copa Americas, in front of an 85,000-strong sellout crowd inside the Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football in August after Argentina finished runners-up at the World Cup and following the death of his father Jorge.

Messi marked his final appearance for La Albiceleste with a goal before addressing the adoring fans in a speech lasting nearly 10 minutes.

Some of his team-mates were in tears as Messi admitted he did not want to leave the field.

“There are so many emotions going through me right now,” he said. “I’m surely forgetting many things I would like to say because this is a very difficult moment for me. The first person who comes to my mind is my dad.

“I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything.”

Writing on social media on Wednesday, , externalMessi added: “Yesterday was my last match and I’m already missing the light blue and white jersey.

“I know I’m taking the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of joy and some sadness, but I know for sure that every step I took was worth it.”

Messi also thanked his family, team-mates and clubs and paid tribute to another Argentina legend, the late Diego Maradona.

His Instagram post also drew a response from Ronaldo, who wrote: “Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you’ve made history that will last forever.

“I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina. A hug.”