Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have spent nearly two decades at the centre of football’s biggest rivalry. This week, however, their international careers moved in completely different directions.
Ronaldo has apologised after his walkout, while insisting he still wants to play for his country. Messi, meanwhile, has completed his final Argentina appearance in front of more than 85,000 emotional fans at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Why Ronaldo left Portugal camp
Ronaldo’s dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus began after the forward was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on September 27.
According to Ronaldo, he and Jesus had agreed on a plan to manage his minutes. Ronaldo said he was then told he would play for about 30 minutes, warmed up from half-time but was never introduced.
He later accused Jesus of breaking his word again over an agreement about how the situation would be explained publicly. Jesus has disputed Ronaldo’s account, describing the situation as a misunderstanding. Ronaldo eventually left Portugal’s camp ahead of the Denmark match.
Ronaldo accepts punishment but wants to return
The 41-year-old has now accepted responsibility for leaving the squad and apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters.
He also said he expects the Portuguese Football Federation to punish him and indicated that he would accept a suspension and fine. Reports have discussed a possible one-to-six-month suspension, although the final punishment has not been confirmed.
More importantly, Ronaldo made clear that he is not retiring from international football. He said he would remain available for Portugal after serving whatever punishment is imposed, provided he remains fit and continues performing for Al Nassr.
That means the immediate issue is no longer whether Ronaldo wants to play for Portugal. It is whether the federation, Jesus and Ronaldo can work together again.
Messi takes the opposite route
While Ronaldo is trying to keep his international career alive, Messi has just closed his Argentina chapter.
On October 6, Messi played his final match for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental. He scored and provided two assists as Argentina won 3-0, giving more than 85,000 supporters a memorable final night with their captain.
Messi leaves international football after 21 years, 208 appearances and 126 goals, having led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.
Two legends, two very different endings
The contrast is striking. Messi’s final Argentina match was built around celebration and closure, while Ronaldo’s latest Portugal story is about conflict, punishment and a possible return.
For Portugal, the next step will be deciding Ronaldo’s disciplinary punishment and whether the relationship with Jesus can be repaired. For Ronaldo, his statement suggests he still sees more games for Portugal ahead.
At 41, the question is no longer simply how many goals Ronaldo can score. It is whether one of football’s longest international careers can continue after one of its most public disputes.
