The Argentinian's former Barça team-mate was saddened to see 'La Pulga' retire for the Albiceleste
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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.
Argentina's football captain Lionel Messi spoke of retirement from international football after losing 4–2 to Chile in the penalty decider in Copa América Centenario final on Sunday. Since then, many players including his present FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez, former teammates  and , former Argentina captain , and Argentine president  have expressed disappointment, some urging him to stay.
File photo of Lionel Messi after a loss in 2014. 
Messi missed the penalty kick after Chilean 's spot kick was stopped by  as the match progressed to a penalty shootout.  and Sergio Agüero scored their spot kicks for Argentina, but after 's penalty was saved by ,  scored the winning penalty for Chile.

Messi was crying after the match, and later told news reporters, . He added, .

Today, Suárez speaking to '''' said, "Knowing Leo, I'm sure it was said in a moment of sadness and helplessness. It would be a shame for football if he took this decision, but I'm sure he will reconsider and change his mind."

Yesterday, president Mauricio Macri and Maradona urged him to think about his decision.
 
Messi's former teammate  said, "It's very bad news for soccer. Messi is the best player in the world. ... I don't know what happened in his mind... I know he's strong, a professional player, he's sure now disappointed because he lost one more final in penalty kicks again."

Ronaldinho, former Brazilian player and ex-Barcelona player, told  he respects Messi's opinion and he would be always with him.

Five time World Player of the Year Messi has lost four finals on the international stage, of which three defeats came in the last three years — 2014 FIFA World Cup loss to Germany, last year's loss to Chile, and this year's.

Sergio Agüero told Argentine newspaper '''' other players were also deciding weather to hang up their boots.

Messi played for Argentina when they won the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medal.


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