BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi marked an emotional farewell for Argentina with a goal against Benin in front of 85,000 supporters at the Monumental, while about 6,000 miles away Cristiano Ronaldo accused Portugal manager Jorge Jesus of an "absolute breach of trust" in a lengthy social media statement.
The 39-year-old Messi, who announced his retirement from international football in August after Argentina finished runners-up at the World Cup and following the death of his father Jorge, brought the curtain down on a glittering international career that brought one World Cup and two Copa Americas. He departs as Argentina's record appearance-maker and goalscorer and will continue his club career with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. Addressing the sellout crowd for nearly 10 minutes as team-mates were in tears, Messi said: "There are so many emotions going through me right now. I'm surely forgetting many things I would like to say because this is a very difficult moment for me. The first person who comes to my mind is my dad. I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything."
Ronaldo, 41, released an almost-2,000 word statement on Instagram on Tuesday after leaving Portugal's Nations League camp last week. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, now with Al-Nassr, was an unused substitute in the Nations League win over Norway and then discovered he would not start against Denmark in November. In the statement he said Jesus had twice "broke his word" and accused him of an "absolute breach of trust" for firstly not playing him against Norway after saying he would, before going back on a decision to present an agreed version of events to the media. Ronaldo apologised to fans and team-mates for leaving the camp and said the consequences must be "assessed and punished", while dismissing any suggestion he had played his last match for Portugal. "We will have one or more farewell matches, there will be time for that," the statement said. Manager Jesus said on Sunday the door remains open for Ronaldo to return if he chooses, but reportedly added he had not seen the statement as he was watching the Portugal Under-21 game.
The saga has rumbled on since many fans were critical of former Portugal boss Roberto Martinez's insistence on starting Ronaldo at this summer's World Cup, with suggestions at 41 he is not the dynamic player he once was and his presence hindered the team. Portuguese football journalist Jose Delgado told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I don't think there is a way back. In the statement, Ronaldo says he will return to the national team but at the same time he calls Jesus a liar three times." Delgado added that polls in Portugal showed only 15% were on Ronaldo's side, saying: "Things will never be the same again. No matter what happens, no matter if he plays again or if you have a game to say goodbye to Ronaldo things will never be the same. What Ronaldo did for Portuguese football is unique and incredible and we must thank him for all the service he gave to Portugal. But at 41, he has no place in the best XI of Portugal." Opinion in Lisbon has been split, with billboards reading: "Thank you Cristiano Ronaldo for everything you did for Portugal. You will always be our captain. Jorge Jesus was not up to the task. Lack of sensitivity. Treating a captain wrongly. Inflated ego." At the Denmark fixture some fans wore T-shirts spelling out 'Love you Jesus' while others were head-to-toe in Ronaldo merchandise.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances — both world records — helping Portugal win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice, and he currently has 979 goals for club and country as he chases the elusive 1,000 mark. It seems unlikely he will voluntarily retire before reaching that milestone, but questions remain over whether his actions have made his position untenable. The contrasting nights underline how differently two of the greatest players ever could close their international careers, with Messi's golden era ending in adulation and Ronaldo's future uncertain. The divergent farewells follow Messi's emotional farewell as Ronaldo faces a Portugal rift that has dominated the international break.