Ronaldo exits Portugal camp as Messi readies red-carpet farewell | OneFootball

In the same week, Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s camp while Lionel Messi readies a formal international farewell.

Ronaldo departed on Wednesday after Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League. He had stayed on the bench for the 2-1 win over Norway and promised to explain his decision to the Portuguese public in due course. O Jogo reports that he has decided to end his Portugal career, saying the Wales game was his last.

After the Norway match he headed straight for the dressing room rather than join team-mates in applauding supporters, then missed three group sessions in protest at being unused.

At 41, Ronaldo’s Portugal ledger stands at 234 caps, reached against Wales, and 146 goals, plus Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.

Across the Atlantic, Messi confirmed his international retirement on 31 August after 21 years. He said he wrote his letter on 21 July, two days after the World Cup final, but delayed it because his father was ill, and his father died on 8 August.

The Argentine federation will stage a send-off on 6 October against Benin, with Claudio Tapia inviting the 2022 World Cup winners and billing it as “the last tango”. Messi, 39, signs off with 207 caps, 125 goals including 21 at World Cups, two Copa América titles and a place in the last World Cup final against Spain.

Source: Goal.com

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