Messi bows out with a goal as Ronaldo's Portugal story turns sour
Lionel Messi scored in his last game for Argentina. Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's camp after a furious row.
Two international careers that have run side by side for 20 years reached very different moments this week in Buenos Aires and Lisbon.
Messi, 39, ended a 21-year Argentina career with a goal in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Estadio Monumental, according to the Argentine FA. AFA
The game was played on Tuesday, 6 October, in front of 85,000 supporters. Al Jazeera It closed the book on 208 caps for his country. The Guardian
Messi said he felt "grateful, proud and at peace" after the final whistle. BBC Sport The Argentine FA had built the send-off around him, including a "Gracias, Leo" Fan Fest on 6 October for supporters to celebrate with the national team.
He had announced the decision in a letter in August. Reuters reported on 4 October that the home friendly would be his final appearance. Reuters
Ronaldo's week could hardly have been more different. The 41-year-old was an unused substitute for Portugal's Nations League game against Norway. The Nations League is Europe's biennial tournament for national teams.
He then learned he would not start the next match against Denmark. He left the squad. In an almost 2,000-word statement on Instagram, he accused Portugal manager Jorge Jesus of an "absolute breach of trust" and said Jesus had twice broken his word. BBC Sport
Ronaldo also apologised to fans and team-mates for walking out. He said the consequences must be assessed and punished.
Jesus said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return. Portuguese journalist Jose Delgado told BBC Radio 5 Live that things will never be the same again.
Ronaldo holds the world records for men's international football with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He helped the country win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
He had considered retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup. He then confirmed he wanted to carry on and is targeting 1,000 career goals. Sky Sports
For fans, this means a strange split screen. Messi got the perfect farewell. Song, scarves and one last goal. Ronaldo got statements and speculation.
Gary Lineker summed up the mood, calling Messi's farewell "so beautiful" and saying Ronaldo deserves the same. Reuters BBC Sport has now examined whether this is the end of the international road for both men.
One era closed with joy. The other is waiting for an answer.
