Ronaldinho: We'll miss Messi, he's the best in the world
Ronaldinho is the latest to feel the pain of Lionel Messi's decision to retire from international football and, like most people, the former Barça player expressed disappointment at the 29-year-old's decision but respected his choice.
"I respect his opinion and what he wants, I'll always be with him," Ronaldinho told 'America TV' in Peru, "Logic dictates that we'll miss him, he's the best in the world."
Messi always confessed his admiration for Ronaldinho who was like a footballing godfather during their time together at the Camp Nou, and the Brazilian helped lead the Blaugrana to two league titles between 2004 and 2006 as well as winning the Champions League in that period.
'La Pulga' was a newcomer at the time and Ronaldinho and Deco offered the necessary help and advice to help him settle into the first team.
In the aftermath of Argentina's Copa America final defeat on Sunday - his third consecutive final loss for the Albiceleste - Messi revealed that he would no longer be playing for his country. There has since been a unanimous outpour of support for the no.10 to play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
