Ronaldo's Portugal Exit: A Nation Divided as Messi's Farewell Contrasts with CR7's Acrimonious End

Key points

• Ronaldo walked out of the Portugal camp after Jesus confirmed he would not start him against Denmark, following a benching decision in the Norway match.
• Portugal's public is split, with some fans supporting Ronaldo and others criticizing his behavior as selfish, while media outlets have varying perspectives on the situation.
• Jesus has stated that Ronaldo is welcome back if he chooses, but the decision ultimately lies with the 41-year-old striker, who has promised to reveal his reasons for leaving.
• The dispute highlights the tension between Ronaldo's status as a legend and the practical realities of managing a squad, with Portugal's performance slightly better without him in recent years.

Background

Ronaldo's international career has been marked by conflicts with previous coaches, including Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento, and Fernando Santos. His departure from the Portugal camp follows a period of tension with Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martinez as coach after the World Cup. The situation is further complicated by the contrasting farewell of Lionel Messi, who is set to retire from international football after a celebratory final game for Argentina.

How outlets are covering it

BBC Sport emphasizes the divided public opinion in Portugal, with some fans supporting Ronaldo and others criticizing his behavior. Sky Sports highlights the contrast between Messi's celebratory farewell and Ronaldo's acrimonious end, suggesting that the dispute was inevitable given the clash of personalities. ESPN's source was inaccessible, but the BBC and Sky Sports both note the tension between Ronaldo's status and the practical realities of managing a squad, with Jesus asserting his authority over tactical decisions.

Why it matters

The dispute between Ronaldo and Jesus highlights the challenges of managing a legendary player in a modern football context, where the balance between individual status and team performance is increasingly difficult to maintain. The situation also raises questions about the future of Ronaldo's international career and the potential impact on Portugal's squad dynamics.

What to watch

Ronaldo is expected to decide whether to return to the Portugal national team, with Jesus stating that the door is open for his return. The next match against Denmark in November will be a key moment for the resolution of the dispute, and the Portuguese Football Federation is likely to make a decision regarding Ronaldo's unauthorized absence from the camp.