Arabic version: ميسي يودّع ورونالدو يواجه خلافاً مع البرتغال

According to BBC News, Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal against Benin in Buenos Aires, while Cristiano Ronaldo accused Portugal manager Jorge Jesus of an “absolute breach of trust”. The contrasting developments place two of football’s defining figures at very different points in their international journeys.

Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came before an 85,000 sellout crowd at the Monumental. The 39-year-old had announced his international retirement in August, after Argentina finished World Cup runners-up and following the death of his father Jorge. In an emotional speech lasting nearly 10 minutes, Messi said he was grateful, proud and at peace. He leaves as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and goalscorer, having won one World Cup and two Copa Americas.

Ronaldo, 41, left Portugal’s Nations League camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark in November. In an almost-2,000-word Instagram statement, the Al-Nassr forward said Jesus had twice broken his word. Ronaldo apologised to fans and team-mates for leaving camp, saying the consequences should be assessed and punished, but rejected suggestions that he had played his last Portugal match.

Jesus said the door remained open for Ronaldo to return if he chose to do so. Portuguese journalist Jose Delgado told BBC Radio 5 Live he did not think there was a way back, saying Ronaldo had called Jesus a liar three times in his statement. Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances, both world records, and helped the country win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice. Messi will continue his club career with MLS side Inter Miami, while Ronaldo has 979 goals for club and country as he pursues 1,000.