Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp as Messi prepares for Argentina farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp after being told he would not start against Denmark, while Lionel Messi is preparing for what is expected to be an emotional final appearance for Argentina.

Ronaldo’s departure came on Wednesday after Portugal manager Jorge Jesus confirmed at a news conference that the captain would again be left out of the starting line-up for Thursday’s Nations League match, having remained on the bench for the entire game against Norway.

The 41-year-old said in a statement that he would reveal the reasons for leaving to the Portuguese public “at the appropriate time”.

The dispute began after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo. Ronaldo went straight to the dressing room after the final whistle instead of joining his team-mates in greeting the supporters, and then missed three successive team training sessions.

The incidents have led to reports that Ronaldo’s international career may have come to an end. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported: “Cristiano Ronaldo has made an irreversible decision: he will no longer represent Portugal. The match against Wales was his last game for the national team.”

Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. He has also won Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.

Messi’s planned Argentina farewell

Messi, meanwhile, is set to receive a formal farewell from Argentina in very different circumstances.

The 39-year-old announced his international retirement on 31 August, bringing an end to a 21-year career with the national team. He said he had written his retirement message on 21 July, two days after the World Cup final, but delayed publishing it because his father was ill. His father died on 8 August.

The Argentine Football Association has arranged a farewell match for Messi on 6 October against Benin. Its president, Claudio Tapia, has also invited all the members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend. Tapia described the occasion as Messi’s “last tango”.

Messi will leave Argentina as the country’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals. His international record also includes 21 World Cup goals, two Copa America titles and an appearance in the latest World Cup final against Spain.

The match with Benin is expected to provide Messi with a celebratory send-off, at almost the same time that Ronaldo appears to be leaving Portugal’s camp in frustration.

Their international farewells, which have coincided within the same week, underline the contrast between two of football’s most celebrated modern rivals: Messi approaching an organised tribute in Argentina, and Ronaldo departing Portugal without a confirmed farewell.