On the same night that Lionel Messi was honoured in Buenos Aires as his Argentina story reached an emotional close, Cristiano Ronaldo was roughly 6,000 miles away using a long public statement to explain why he felt badly treated by Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
Messi ended his international career in front of Argentina supporters with a goal against Benin, while Ronaldo accused Jesus of an “absolute breach of trust” and also accepted that his own decision to leave the national-team camp should carry consequences.
Ronaldo’s dispute with Portugal
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward departed Portugal’s Nations League base last week. He had not been used against Norway and then learned that he would also be left out of the starting side for the Denmark match in November.
Portuguese journalist Jose Delgado believes the relationship between Ronaldo and Portugal has changed permanently, raising the question of whether this episode is the first step toward the end of one of football’s great international careers.
Jesus has publicly said that Ronaldo can still come back if he wants to, yet doubts remain over whether the invitation is realistic after such a public breakdown. What initially looked like a selection issue has grown into a wider debate about legacy, authority and timing.
How the situation escalated
The tension around Ronaldo had already been building. Many Portugal fans had questioned former manager Roberto Martinez for continuing to start him at the World Cup, with critics arguing that, at 41, he no longer brings the same mobility or intensity that once defined his game.
The decisive moment came when Ronaldo stayed on the bench throughout the Nations League victory over Norway. After discovering that he was not due to start against Denmark either, he left the squad environment.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo published a statement of almost 2,000 words on Instagram. In it, he said Jesus had “broken his word” twice: first by not playing him against Norway after allegedly indicating that he would, and then by reversing an agreed approach to how the matter would be presented to the media.
Ronaldo apologised to supporters and team-mates for leaving the camp. He said that his actions should be “assessed and punished”, but he rejected suggestions that his Portugal career had already ended.
His statement added that a proper goodbye could involve one farewell match or several, and that the moment for those occasions would come later.
Why many in Portugal see no easy return
Although Jesus has said the door is not closed, several observers believe the damage may be too deep. Delgado said in a radio interview that he could not see a route back, because Ronaldo says he wants to return while also calling Jesus a liar three times.
According to Delgado, polling in Portugal showed only 15% of respondents siding with Ronaldo. He said the public still recognises everything Ronaldo has given the country, but many believe his time as a starter has passed.
Delgado argued that Ronaldo has not accepted the reality of his age and is still trying to perform with the mindset of a 24-year-old rather than a 41-year-old.
He added that things would never feel the same again, regardless of whether Ronaldo returns for another match or receives a farewell game. Delgado described Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football as unique and extraordinary, but argued that at 41 he no longer belongs in Portugal’s strongest XI.
Jesus has reportedly said he had not watched Ronaldo’s statement because he was following Portugal’s Under-21s. Meanwhile, the Al-Nassr forward remains Portugal’s record appearance-maker and scorer, with 146 goals in 234 caps, both world records, and he helped the country win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
Ronaldo appears unlikely to step away voluntarily before reaching the 1,000-goal target he is chasing across club and international football. His current total stands at 979, but the question is whether this dispute has made his Portugal position impossible.
Messi’s emotional Argentina goodbye
The contrast with Messi was striking. The 39-year-old ended a glittering Argentina career in front of 85,000 supporters at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, having won one World Cup and two Copa America titles with his country.
Messi had announced in August that he would retire from international football after Argentina finished as World Cup runners-up and following the death of his father, Jorge. In his last appearance for La Albiceleste, he scored before speaking to the crowd for nearly 10 minutes.
Some of Messi’s team-mates cried as he admitted he did not want to leave the pitch. He told the crowd that the moment had filled him with emotion, that he was probably leaving many thoughts unsaid, and that his father was the first person on his mind.
Messi also said he was departing with gratitude, pride and peace, and thanked everyone for the journey.
What Messi said after his final match
Writing on social media on Wednesday, Messi said the previous day had been his last match and that he already missed the light blue and white shirt. He said he knew he had made the right decision after an incredible journey filled with joy and some sadness, adding that every step had been worth it.
He went on to thank relatives, colleagues and the clubs that shaped his path, while also honouring the late Diego Maradona. Ronaldo replied to the message by praising the enduring history created through Messi’s years in Argentina colours and expressing deep respect for those achievements.
Messi leaves as Argentina’s all-time leader for appearances and goals, but he will continue at club level with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi’s next chapter away from Argentina
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also appears interested in football club ownership. His portfolio already includes Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornella and second-tier CD Eldense, plus a stake in El Club de la Milanesa, the restaurant group planning five Catalonia outlets.
Messi has a lifetime agreement with Adidas, a collection with drinkware brand Stanley, and investments in property and hotels.
Football expert Guillem Balague said coach Lionel Scaloni continues to insist that Messi could carry on if he ever changed his mind, and that there would be no shame in doing so. Even so, Balague believes that chapter appears closed.
He said people close to Messi smile when asked what comes next, because Messi has never really planned beyond his next match. Still, Balague added, the outline of the future is already visible: Messi is likely to remain within football because life without the game would be difficult for him, while his wider business interests already extend far beyond it.
Messi and Ronaldo international records
- Lionel Messi represented Argentina 208 times, scored 126 goals, supplied 67 assists, and won two Copa America titles and one World Cup.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has played 234 times for Portugal, scored 146 goals, provided 30 assists, and won one European Championship.
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