First Professional League Qualification - Generale

The Benin football federation has reportedly been left furious over their treatment following Lionel Messi's international farewell in Buenos Aires. Discontent has surfaced after claims emerged that the visiting African delegation were blocked from swapping shirts, taking photographs, or receiving financial incentives despite featuring in the high-profile exhibition.

Lionel Messi has received formal recognition from River Plate following his final international appearance on domestic soil against Benin. The Argentine heavyweights marked the historic occasion by presenting the iconic playmaker with club honours inside the Estadio Monumental, celebrating his enduring bond with the nation's premier football cathedral.

Cristiano Ronaldo has put years of sporting rivalry aside to pay a touching tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine’s final appearance for his national team. The Portuguese superstar took to social media to celebrate his long-time contemporary, acknowledging the indelible mark Messi has left on the international stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been locked in a career-long rivalry, with GOAT status up for grabs, but do they keep an eye on what the other is doing? CR7’s former Manchester United team-mate Anderson has told GOAL that two global superstars do “care” about the record-shattering numbers that continue to be posted on opposing sides of a fierce divide.