BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi marked a glorious international farewell with a goal against Benin in front of 85,000 supporters at the Monumental, while about 6,000 miles away Cristiano Ronaldo released an almost 2,000-word statement accusing Portugal manager Jorge Jesus of an "absolute breach of trust". The contrasting nights left one legend celebrated and the other facing a potentially bitter end to his Portugal career.
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 his Argentina career in an emotional sellout. He scored in his final appearance for La Albiceleste before delivering a speech lasting nearly 10 minutes as team-mates were left in tears. "There are so many emotions going through me right now," he said. "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." Messi departs as Argentina's record appearance-maker and goalscorer, having won one World Cup and two Copa Americas, but will continue his club career with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
Ronaldo's saga has rumbled on for some time, with many fans critical of former Portugal boss Roberto Martinez's insistence on starting the 41-year-old at this summer's World Cup. The Al-Nassr forward, who many suggested hindered the team rather than helped, was an unused substitute in the Nations League win over Norway on Sunday and subsequently left camp after learning he would not start against Denmark in November. On Tuesday, Ronaldo said on Instagram that Jesus had twice "broke his word" 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. He apologised to fans and team-mates for leaving 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 to, though 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." Jesus has reportedly said he had not seen Ronaldo's statement as he was watching the Portugal Under-21 game. Opinion among supporters appears split, with billboards in Lisbon 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," while at the Denmark game some fans wore T-shirts spelling out 'Love you Jesus' and others were head-to-toe in Ronaldo merch.
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 his actions may have made the situation untenable. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, already owns two clubs including Spanish fifth-tier side and is understood to want to enter the world of football club ownership as his golden era with Argentina ends.