Ronaldo: Seeing Messi cry hurt
Normally they are the biggest of rivals, but the Portuguese star has revealed he felt for the Barcelona forward following his Copa America defeat.
Cristano Ronaldo has revealed he was 'hurt' by Messi's heartbreak following Argentina's Copa America defeat, and has urged his great rival to return to international football.
Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from international football after Argentina crashed to an upset defeat against Chile in the final of the Copa America, with the Barcelona man missing his penalty in the shootout.
It was the 29-year-old's fourth straight defeat in a major final while representing Argentina, and it seems as though he has finally been broken.
Barcelona's Messi and Real Madrid's Ronaldo have been the biggest of rivals for years, with their battle for supremacy in La Liga, and their annual strife for the Ballon d'Or.
However, Ronaldo, who has a Euro 2016 semi-final with Portugal on Wednesday, has urged Messi to reconsider his decision, whilst also revealing he felt for his rival.
"Messi has taken a tough decision and people should understand," he told Mundo Deportivo.
"He is not accustomed to defeats and disappointments, not even finish the second. Missing a penalty does not make you a bad player.
"It hurts to see Messi in tears and I hope he returns to his country, because he needs it."