Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement in stark contrast to great rival Lionel Messi
Quick Look
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal career ended in acrimony after a bitter fallout with coach Jorge Jesus, contrasting with Lionel Messi's retirement following Argentina's back-to-back World Cup finals.
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Why It Matters
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have had record-breaking careers and are considered by many to be the greatest players of their generation and of all time.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s glorious Portugal career ultimately ended in acrimony. What a contrast to his great rival Lionel Messi, who also retired from international football this year, but only after leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup finals.
As has been the case throughout their record-breaking careers, it is impossible not to compare the two greatest players of their generation and, for many, the greatest of all time.
While Ronaldo’s video message to announce his retirement on Thursday was undoubtedly emotional, it came after a bitter fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus that led to the Manchester United and Real Madrid great walking out on what turned out to be his last international call up.
Open Questions
- What specifically caused the fallout between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus?
- When exactly did Ronaldo walk out on his last international call-up?
- What did Ronaldo say in his video message announcing retirement?
