Lionel Messi’s Boss Congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal After Nations League Triumph

Scaloni Applauds Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo for Memorable Victory Over Spain

In a heartfelt and classy gesture, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni offered praise to long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team following their Nations League victory over Spain. The final, held in a packed stadium brimming with Iberian passion, was a tight and dramatic affair that ultimately went down to the wire — penalties decided it after 120 minutes of tense action, and Portugal emerged victorious.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, yet again showed why his name continues to be etched in footballing history books. Though he didn’t complete the full match, his presence, leadership, and pivotal goal in regulation time underscored his enduring value to the Portuguese side. The match-winning penalty from Ruben Neves sealed the result, sending the Selecao into celebration and earning plaudits from unexpected places — including Buenos Aires.

“They’ll Only Stop Being Great When They Retire” – Scaloni on Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal v Spain – UEFA Nations League 2025 Final

Speaking after Argentina’s own friendly match, Lionel Scaloni took a moment to reflect on the iconic careers of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He was effusive in his praise, offering a sentiment that resonated across generations of football fans.

“For me, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi will stop being good when they retire,” Scaloni said in a post-match press conference. “Beyond their age, they are guys who not only represent a lot by playing, but also by simply being there. That presence — it carries immense weight. From here, I congratulate Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo because they played a great game. I also congratulate Spain, who ended up losing on penalties. It was a great game.”

Scaloni’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being the manager of Messi —Cristiano  Ronaldo’s career-long rival — was a masterclass in sportsmanship and mutual respect. For years, the footballing world has watched the Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate rage on, often reducing these two all-time greats to a binary rivalry. But Scaloni’s comments serve as a reminder that true greatness exists beyond comparison.

A Rivalry Reimagined — Parallel Paths to International Glory

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have each had their moment under international lights — eventually. For a long time, critics used their lack of international silverware to chip away at their legacies. Cristiano Ronaldo struck first, leading Portugal to a historic Euro 2016 title despite leaving the final injured. That was followed by a 2019 Nations League triumph.

Messi, meanwhile, endured several heartbreaking losses in major tournament finals before finally lifting the Copa America in 2021 — his first with Argentina. That was just a prelude to the crowning jewel: the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina beat France in an all-time classic.

And now, Cristiano Ronaldo has added another Nations League title to his glittering résumé, potentially setting the stage for one final showdown at the 2026 World Cup — the dream finale to one of the greatest dual-sagas in sporting history.

What’s Next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi?

Minnesota United FC v Inter Miami CF

Though both players are now in their late 30s and early 40s, their futures continue to intrigue fans. Cristiano Ronaldo, who hinted earlier this year at a possible move away from Al-Nassr, now appears likely to stay in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese forward seems content, leading the line and mentoring younger players while maintaining a standard of performance few in his age bracket can match.

Lionel Messi, on the other hand, is preparing for a very different kind of summer. He will feature in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup as part of his Inter Miami squad. While the competition may not be as prestigious as the World Cup or Champions League, it offers Messi a chance to lead his new team on a global stage. Inter Miami are set to face the likes of Al Ahly, Porto, and Palmeiras in the group stage — not an easy set of fixtures.

The Possibility of One Last Duel

With both players seemingly eyeing the 2026 World Cup in North America, the possibility of a final Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo encounter is tantalizing. Could fate align in such a way that their storied rivalry ends on the biggest stage of all? It’s a prospect that would electrify the sport and give fans a closing chapter worthy of their mythic careers.

Scaloni’s recognition of Cristiano Ronaldo, then, is more than just a polite gesture — it’s a nod to the era these two giants have defined. It’s a reminder that, even as time moves on and new stars rise, the legacies of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the gold standard.

Final Whistle Thoughts

The Nations League may not carry the historical heft of the World Cup or European Championship, but for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, this latest win was a statement. And for Lionel Scaloni, it was a moment to show that sportsmanship and class transcend borders and rivalries.

In the end, it’s not just about who wins more titles or scores more goals. It’s about the respect earned along the way. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may wear different jerseys and inspire different nations, but together, they’ve elevated the game. And as Scaloni so eloquently reminded us — they’ll only stop being great when they hang up their boots.

Until then, the world watches.