it's messed up

Cristiano Ronaldo: Watching Lionel Messi cry isn’t nice for me and I hope he returns to the Argentina team

Barcelona star called time on his international career after missing a penalty in the Copa America final defeat

Jamie Gordon

Published: 0:52, 5 Jul 2016
Updated: 2:00, 5 Jul 2016

CRISTIANO RONALDO has defended rival Lionel Messi after his missed penalty in the Copa America final.

The tearful Argentinian superstar called time on his international career after the shootout defeat against Chile.

Lionel Messi quit international football after Copa America final — Lionel Messi quit international football after Copa America finalCredit: AP:Associated Press

Barcelona star Messi blazed his spot-kick over in shootout — Barcelona star Messi blazed his spot-kick over in shootoutCredit: AP:Associated Press

Thousands of fans gathered on the streets to beg Messi to reconsider — Thousands of fans gathered on the streets to beg Messi to reconsiderCredit: Reuters

And speaking ahead of Portugal's clash with Wales, Ronaldo insisted seeing long-term foe Messi in floods of tears did not make him happy.

According to , the forward said: "He's taken a tough decision and people must understand it.

"Messi isn't used to defeats or disappointments: not even finishing second. Missing a penalty doesn't make you a bad player.

"It's not nice seeing Messi in tears and I hope he returns to the national side."

Messi could not hold back tears after losing 4-2 in shootout — Messi could not hold back tears after losing 4-2 in shootoutCredit: AP:Associated Press

Chile celebrate after a famous victory over star-studded rivals — Chile celebrate after a famous victory over star-studded rivalsCredit: Getty Images

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Argentina have now gone 23 years without a trophy. Messi has now lost in four finals – at the 2014 World Cup and three Copa Americas, in 2007, 2015 and now 2016.

Ronaldo and Portugal face Wales in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in Lyon on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid star scored in the shootout victory over Poland in the quarter-finals.

And he will be desperate to make amends after losing in the Euro 2004 final to Greece on home soil.

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