Kily González hails Messi and Ronaldo's international legacies as Ronaldo retires from Portugal

former Inter Miami manager Kily González paid tribute to Messi and Ronaldo's international careers after the Portuguese star announced his retirement from national team duty.

former Inter Miami manager Cristian 'Kily' González reflected on the end of an era in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal's national team. González told reporters it was "a privilege" to witness "so many years" of Messi and Ronaldo competing at the highest level for their respective countries. "We had the privilege and luck to see them compete for so many years in a good way between the two of them; being the best, each one with their own way and style. Players like that always provoked admiration in me," the Argentine coach said. He acknowledged the loss to world sport: "Not having them at international level is obviously a great sadness for the sporting world, but everything has an end."

González made the comments ahead of Inter Miami's final regular-season match against Charlotte, where a victory would secure second place in the Eastern Conference. The Herons are already qualified for the MLS playoffs, which begin on November 19, as they aim to defend the MLS Cup they won a year ago.