On a night when one football legend was given a solemn farewell in his country, another legend - some 6,000 miles away - issued a lengthy statement detailing all the injustices he had been subjected to at the hands of the national team's coach.
Argentine star Lionel Messi received a standing ovation from the fans in Buenos Aires, where he concluded his exceptional international career by scoring a goal against the Benin national team on an emotional night.
At the same time, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo issued a statement on social media, accusing Portugal's technical director, Jorge Jesus, of a "total breach of trust," while at the same time acknowledging that he bears responsibility for his own actions.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker left the Portuguese team's camp participating in the European Nations League last week, after remaining on the bench without participating against Norway, and then learning that he would not participate as a starter in the next match against Denmark.
Portuguese journalist Jose Delgado says that “things will never go back to the way they were” for Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team. Is this the beginning of the end?
Jesus has stated that the door is still open for Ronaldo to return to the national team, but is this really true? Or will this crisis - according to Jess Anderson on the BBC website - continue, which could lead to the curtain finally coming down on the international career of one of the greatest players in history? The following report reviews what may mark the end of the international careers of two football legends.
What's going on with Ronaldo?
The Ronaldo crisis has been going on for some time, with many fans expressing their criticism of the insistence of the former coach of the Portuguese national team, Roberto Martinez, to include Ronaldo as a starter in the World Cup tournament that was held last summer. At the age of forty-one, Ronaldo was no longer the lively and energetic player he once was, and many saw that his presence on the field was hindering the team’s performance rather than supporting it.
However, matters reached their peak last week, when Ronaldo remained a substitute without participating in the match in which the national team beat Norway in the European Nations League competitions. The player later left the camp after learning that he would not participate in the scheduled match against Denmark in November.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo issued a statement via “Instagram” consisting of about 2,000 words, in which he accused the technical director of “violating his covenant” twice, and committing “a complete betrayal of trust.” This is because he was not included in the match against Norway despite his promise to do so, and then he retracted the decision to present an agreed-upon version of events to the media.
Ronaldo apologized to the fans and his teammates for leaving the camp, indicating that the consequences of that must be “evaluated and sanctions imposed.” He also denied any suggestion that he played his last match with the Portuguese national team. The statement said: “We will play one or more farewell matches, and the time will come for that.”
Jesus recently stated that the door is still open for Ronaldo to return if he so desires, but many believe that the damage has already been done.
Speaking to the BBC, Portuguese sports journalist Delgado said: “I do not think there is room for a return; In the statement, Ronaldo says that he will return to the national team, but at the same time he calls Jesus a liar three times.
He added: “In opinion polls conducted in Portugal on this issue, only 15 percent of Portuguese sided with Ronaldo. “People think we owe him a lot, but his time is already up and he has to realize that.”
He continued: “The problem is that Ronaldo does not realize this. He wants to continue playing as if he were twenty-four years old, not forty-one.”
He added: “Things will never be the same again.” “No matter what happens, whether he plays again or a match is held to bid farewell to Ronaldo, things will not return to the way they were before.”
He concluded by saying: “What Ronaldo gave to Portuguese football is unique and amazing, and we must thank him for everything he gave to Portugal. But at the age of 41, he no longer has a place in the starting lineup of the best 11 players in Portugal.”
It is noteworthy that Jesus stated that he did not see Ronaldo’s statement, as he was busy watching the match between the Portuguese U-21 team.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi Al-Nasr club striker, scored 146 goals during the 234 matches he played with the Portuguese national team - a world record in both cases - and contributed to his country winning the 2016 European Nations Cup and the European Nations League twice.
It seems unlikely that Ronaldo will voluntarily retire from international football before reaching the 1,000-goal mark - which is the desired goal he seeks to achieve with club and country - as his current tally stands at 979 goals.
But did his actions make the situation unsustainable? Speaking of audiences, opinions seem divided; Banners praising Ronaldo and criticizing technical director Jorge Jesus were hung in Lisbon.
The banners read in Portuguese: “Thank you, Cristiano Ronaldo, for everything you have done for Portugal.” You will always be our leader.” Another sign says: “Jorge Jesus was not up to the responsibility; He lacked sensitivity, mistreated the leader, and was characterized by excessive selfishness.”
During the match against Denmark, some fans wore T-shirts bearing the phrase “We love you, Jesus,” while others wore clothes bearing pictures of Ronaldo.
What's next for Messi?
On the other hand, Messi brought down the curtain on his illustrious career with the Argentine national team - which saw him win the World Cup and the Copa America title twice - in front of a huge crowd of 85,000 spectators who filled the stands of the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old player announced his retirement from international football in August, after Argentina finished in second place during the World Cup, and following the death of his father, Jorge.
Messi concluded his career with the Tango Dancers team by scoring a goal, before giving a speech to the loving fans that lasted about 10 minutes. The eyes of some of his teammates filled with tears, while Messi admitted that he did not want to leave the field.
He said: “I have many feelings at this moment. I will definitely forget many things I want to say because it is a very difficult moment for me. The first person that comes to my mind is my father.” He added: “I leave grateful, proud and reassured. Thank you for everything.”
In a post on social media on Wednesday, Messi added: “Yesterday’s match was my last, and I’m already starting to miss the white and sky blue shirts.”
He added: “I know I am making the right decision.” It's been an amazing trip; Full of joy and some sadness, but I am certain that every step I took was worth it.”
Messi also thanked his family, teammates and clubs, and praised another Argentine legend; He is the late Diego Armando Maradona.
His post on Instagram received a response from Ronaldo, who wrote: “Leo, after many years of defending the colors of your country, you have made history that will be remembered forever.” I have all the respect and appreciation for what you achieved with Argentina. my regards".
Messi will leave the international arena and is the record holder in the number of appearances and scoring goals with the Argentine national team, but he will continue his career at the club level with Inter Miami in the American Football League.
It appears that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner wants to enter the world of football club ownership, and has already begun taking steps to achieve this.
He currently owns two clubs - UE Cornella, which plays in the Spanish fifth division, and CD Eldense, in the second division - in addition to being a partner in the “El Club de la Milanesa” restaurant chain, which plans to open 5 branches in the Catalonia region.
Messi also has a lifelong contract with Adidas, and has a product range in cooperation with the Stanley brand, which specializes in beverage containers, in addition to his investments in the real estate and hotel sectors.
In this context, football expert Guillem Balagh said: “Technical director Lionel Scaloni confirms that if Messi wants to continue at any time, he can do so, and there is nothing wrong with changing one’s mind. But it seems that page has been turned. If you ask those close to him what comes next, they just smile; Because Messi never planned beyond his next match.”
He added: “However, the features of the future are already clear before us; He will remain linked to football - because he will find it very difficult to live without it - but his other business interests extend to areas far removed from the game.”
