Messi’s Farewell Caps a Golden Era as Ronaldo’s Rift with Portugal Deepens

Key points

• Messi’s farewell match, dubbed 'The Last Tango,' sold out all 85,018 tickets within two hours, with the entire 2022 World Cup-winning squad invited to attend.
• Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi’s retirement, stating that while the team will continue, it will not be the same without the 39-year-old’s unique presence on the pitch.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has missed three consecutive Portugal matches after a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus, who benched him for the Nations League game against Norway.
• Portugal won all three matches without Ronaldo, with Goncalo Ramos scoring in each game, while Jesus stated the door remains open for Ronaldo’s return if he wishes to play.
• Messi’s post-international career includes ownership stakes in Spanish clubs UE Cornella and CD Eldense, as well as a partnership in the MiM Hotels chain, with his net worth estimated at $1.1 billion.

Background

Messi previously retired from international football in 2016 after losing the Copa America final to Chile but returned for the 2018 World Cup. His 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar ended a 28-year trophy drought for Argentina. Ronaldo had previously indicated he would continue playing for Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup, aiming for 1,000 career goals, but his recent exit from the national team camp has raised questions about his future with the squad.

How outlets are covering it

The National and The Guardian emphasize the emotional and celebratory nature of Messi’s farewell, highlighting the sold-out crowd and Scaloni’s tribute to his unique impact. CBS Sports focuses on the transitional challenges for Argentina, noting the uncertainty of replacing Messi’s leadership and the potential departure of other veterans like Nicolas Otamendi and Rodrigo De Paul. BBC Sport provides a detailed look at Messi’s post-football business ventures, including his ownership of CD Eldense and involvement in youth football through the Messi Cup. The National and our archive highlight the contrast between Messi’s dignified exit and Ronaldo’s acrimonious dispute with Jorge Jesus, noting that Portugal’s success without Ronaldo has intensified questions about his relevance to the national team.

Why it matters

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a dominant era in international football, with Argentina facing a significant transition as they prepare for the 2030 World Cup. Ronaldo’s ongoing dispute with Portugal’s coaching staff raises broader questions about generational shifts in national teams and the balance of power between veteran stars and new management. Both situations underscore the evolving dynamics of international football as iconic players navigate their exits from the national stage.

What to watch

Messi’s farewell match against Benin will take place on Tuesday, October 6, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Argentina will look to integrate emerging talents like Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono into the squad as they prepare for the 2030 World Cup. Ronaldo’s return to the Portugal national team remains uncertain, with the next round of Nations League games scheduled for November. Jesus has stated that the door is open for Ronaldo, but the resolution of their dispute will depend on whether the 41-year-old chooses to rejoin the squad.