Lionel Messi Celebrates Argentina Farewell as Cristiano Ronaldo Clashes With Portugal Manager
Lionel Messi ended his international career with a 3–0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, marked by a drone light show and fireworks, while Cristiano Ronaldo entered a self-imposed exile from the Portugal national team following a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus. The contrasting international departures highlight the divergent paths of two players who dominated soccer for nearly two decades.
Messi’s final appearance for Argentina marked his 208th cap for the national team. The 39-year-old scored a late penalty in the match attended by 85,000 fans, concluding a career that included a victory at the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles. The Argentine Football Association arranged the friendly fixture after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
Ronaldo, aged 41, left the Portugal camp after being left on the bench for a UEFA Nations League win against Norway. The forward released a statement accusing manager Jorge Jesus of breaking promises, detailing an eight-point plan regarding his usage in matches. Ronaldo has more international caps and goals than Messi in all of men’s soccer, alongside a European Championship victory in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles.
Contrasting Later Career Trajectories
The two players finished first and second in the Ballon d’Or vote in 2008, establishing an individual rivalry that shaped global soccer. Messi has collected eight Ballon d’Or awards compared to Ronaldo’s five, with Ronaldo failing to reach the podium since 2019.
Tactical adjustments by national team managers have yielded different outcomes for each player. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni built a team around Messi that accommodates his aged genius, whereas Portugal has struggled to find a system that squeezes any remaining juice out of Ronaldo. Ronaldo was benched ahead of the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, mirroring similar selection decisions by Jesus during the Nations League campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Departures
Messi finished his international career with 208 appearances for Argentina, capped by his final match against Benin in Buenos Aires.
Ronaldo left the national team squad after being left on the bench for a UEFA Nations League match against Norway, subsequently releasing a statement detailing grievances with manager Jorge Jesus.
Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles with Argentina. Ronaldo won the 2016 UEFA European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal.
More on Jorge Jesus
Keep reading