Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina in a friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, an event widely regarded as a tribute to one of football’s greatest players. Meanwhile, the future of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career with Portugal remains uncertain amid recent tensions with the national team’s management.
Ronaldo, 41, was left out as a substitute for the first time in 18 years during Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway in Oslo last Sunday. The decision by Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus not to bring him on sparked a rift, with Ronaldo subsequently leaving the team camp and missing a training session. Discussions between Ronaldo and Jesus followed over dinner in an attempt to resolve their differences, but the episode has raised questions about Ronaldo’s role in the squad and the potential conclusion of his long international career.
Having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, Ronaldo has been a defining figure in the national team for more than two decades. However, many within Portuguese football contend that he has not justified a place in the starting lineup for several years and argue that his continued presence has been more symbolic than performance-based. Critics suggest that Ronaldo’s current form does not match the reputation he earned earlier in his career and that he may now be playing primarily for individual milestones, notably approaching a personal goal tally of 1,000 career goals—a figure he has sought to reach amid debates about the legitimacy of past claims by other players.
Since his move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo has faced mixed reactions, with some viewing his transfer as a means to prolong his playing days in a less demanding league following a contentious exit from Manchester United. Under former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who remained reluctant to reduce Ronaldo’s role, the team’s strategy was often seen as compromised by the star’s presence, even during major tournaments such as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the recent North American event. Despite Portugal’s strong squad during these competitions, Ronaldo’s involvement sparked controversy and, in some views, hindered the team’s cohesiveness and performance.
The current coaching staff under Jorge Jesus has appeared more willing to integrate rising talent, exemplified by forward Goncalo Ramos, who earned praise for his decisive actions in recent matches, including a winning goal against Norway. Jesus’s decision to make Ramos the starting forward over Ronaldo in a subsequent Nations League match against Denmark signaled a clear shift in the team hierarchy. Ramos contributed significantly to Portugal’s 4-2 victory, while Rafael Leao assumed Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 jersey.
Observers note that the challenges Ronaldo faces reflect the inevitable impact of aging on elite athletes. While Messi has openly acknowledged his limitations and plans for retirement, Ronaldo’s response has been described as one of resistance to relinquishing his place on the international stage. Those close to him urge a graceful exit to preserve his legacy, cautioning that continued insistence on playing at the highest level might risk diminishing the extraordinary achievements of his career.