3:17 PM PT -- Eli Manning has entered the chat ... letting Brady know he wasn't too impressed with his catch.
Speaking of catches ... TB12 clapped back with a zinger of his own -- referencing David Tyree's Super Bowl-saving helmet reception that helped the Giants beat Brady's Patriots back in 2008.
Ultimately, Brady's seven rings beats Manning's two ... but considering both of those came against the Pats, Eli's got the right to throw a friendly jab here and there.
Tom Brady's clearly thankful for retirement .