Messi Bows Out in Buenos Aires as Ronaldo's Portugal Standoff Deepens
Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and an emotional farewell, while Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Portugal fell into doubt after he left camp and accused coach Jorge Jesus of a breach of trust.
Lionel Messi closed his Argentina career in front of an 85,000-strong sellout crowd at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, scoring in his final appearance and addressing supporters for nearly 10 minutes. Messi, 39, had announced his international retirement in August after Argentina finished as World Cup runners-up and following the death of his father, Jorge. He leaves as his country's record appearance-maker and leading scorer, having won one World Cup and two Copa Americas.
Some team-mates were in tears as Messi said he was grateful, proud and at peace, and admitted he did not want to leave the pitch. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami and already owns Spanish clubs UE Cornella and CD Eldense, with business interests in restaurants, property and hotels. Football expert Guillem Balague said that while coach Lionel Scaloni insists Messi could still carry on, the chapter appears closed.
Roughly 6,000 miles away, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal situation deteriorated. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward left the national camp last week after being an unused substitute against Norway in the Nations League and learning he would not start against Denmark. In a long Instagram statement, he accused coach Jorge Jesus of twice breaking his word and of an absolute breach of trust, apologised to fans and team-mates for leaving, and said the consequences should be assessed and punished.
Jesus, who has said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return, reportedly had not seen the statement because he was watching Portugal's under-21 game. Portuguese journalist Jose Delgado told BBC Radio 5 Live that he does not think there is a way back, noting that Ronaldo calls Jesus a liar three times in the statement. Delgado cited Portuguese polls in which only 15% backed Ronaldo, adding that supporters appreciate his service but believe his time with the national team is done.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances, both world records, and helped win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles. He is chasing 1,000 career goals for club and country and currently has 979, making voluntary retirement seem unlikely. Fans appear divided: posters in Lisbon thanked Ronaldo and criticised Jesus, while at the Denmark game some supporters wore T-shirts reading Love you Jesus and others were covered in Ronaldo merchandise.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
