Meghan Rapinoe is overcome with emotion ahead of the final match of her career

OL Reign forward Meghan Rapinoe gave the final press conference of her professional soccer career and couldn't hold back the waterworks.

She was seen tearing up and letting the emotions of her final game out as she prepares for the NWSL Final against Gotham FC.

Opposite her will be a longtime friend of hers - Ali Krieger, who is also preparing to step away from the game.

The two of them have been sharing stories and well-wishes to each other before they take the field for a final time on Saturday in San Diego.

Earlier in the season, Rapinoe asked Krieger when her final match with Gotham was going to be. Krieger, ever the competitor, replied, 'What do you mean? November 11th' - the date of the final.

The two laughed about it. After all, Gotham was coming off a terrible season where they finished last in the league.

'Now we're here and we're just kind of like, 'Wow, we really did it,' ' Krieger said, smiling.

'Only one of us is going to be able to win, and that's going to be sad for whoever the person that doesn't win,' Rapinoe said, 'but it's really special.'

While Kreiger and Rapinoe were never on the pitch for the same club team, they met 15 years ago at a US training camp.

'Right away, we just hit it off,' Rapinoe told the Washington Post. 'We're serious about what we're doing on the field but also like to enjoy ourselves and realize this is a really unique journey that we're on, and we want to celebrate and maximize everything we can together.'

Rapinoe added: 'She's just a really good human, too. You play with a million people … but she's one of my best friends in life and will continue to be so. For both of us, it is a really special moment to be able to celebrate. I know if I win [Saturday], she'll be happy for me and if she wins, I'll be thrilled for her.'

That friendship took an extra turn this summer, when Krieger went to Rapinoe for emotional support as she headed towards divorce from Ashlyn Harris.

'She has been rock-solid for me as a best friend,' Krieger said. 'We're always going to be there for each other, and it goes far beyond the playing field, and that's something I really cherish and nurture forever.'

But when it comes to on-the-field competition, it's clear that Krieger has her eyes on the prize - as evidenced by a video posted on Twitter by The Women's Soccer Show.

Rapinoe paid tribute to her friend, saying, 'Kriegs, I love you so much. You've had an iconic career. Um, just so freaking good. Like you're probably the best right back I ever played with.'

'I wish you so much luck. If you win, I'll be so happy for you. If you lose, I'll console you. But no matter what, we're going on vacation afterwards so.. love you boo.'

Krieger's message was less reflective and more competitive: 'Good luck, and you better stay on that left side. And don't you dare come over to the right because you are going down... down.'