The Brazil football legend, Ronaldo Nazario, has admitted he set aside his country’s rivalry with Argentina to admire Lionel Messi as they won the 2022 World Cup.

Messi scored twice as Albiceleste defeated France at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.

The 35-year-old also converted in the dramatic penalty shootout at the end of the encounter.

Brazil was eliminated at the quarterfinal stage after suffering a penalty shootout defeat by Croatia.

But after the final, Ronaldo posted a photo of Messi lifting the trophy on Instagram and wrote: “This guy’s football throws any rivalry to the corner – even the historic one between Brazil and Argentina.

“I saw a lot of Brazilians and people from all over the world rooting for Messi in this electrifying final."

“A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup star, captained an era." I imagine my friend Diego’s party in heaven. Here, we are millions of all nationalities giving you a standing ovation. Congratulations Messi!”

Messi has now played his final World Cup match, having previously confirmed he would not be returning for the 2026 edition.