Lionel Messi ended his international career with a goal and a victory in front of 85,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, while Cristiano Ronaldo issued a public apology for walking out of Portugal's camp amid a dispute over playing time.
Contrasting farewells for two legends
The two superstars have taken vastly different paths throughout their careers, and their international exits are proving just as contrasting. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, delivered an uncharacteristically lengthy speech, saying: "It was a privilege and an honour to share the pitch with all of my teammates and to share so much of our lives together." He referenced the roles his teammates played in helping him realise his dream of winning the World Cup four years ago.
Even on a night centred on him, Messi made it about the collective. Ronaldo, however, does not appear determined to deliver the same message.
Ronaldo's Portugal exit saga
Ronaldo has made unwanted headlines after leaving the Portugal squad last week following a falling out with manager Jorge Jesus, who also coached him at Al Nassr. The 41-year-old was an unused substitute against Norway and then learned he would not start against Denmark, prompting his departure from the Nations League camp.
Ronaldo initially attributed his frustration to Jesus breaking his word. However, he has since admitted he deserves to be punished. The new Portugal boss has won four from four to begin his tenure, and it remains unclear whether Ronaldo and the associated political issues are part of his plans.
Ronaldo's apology and promise
In a 2,000-word apology statement on social media, Ronaldo accepted that his actions warrant punishment. He stated: "The Portuguese Football Federation must assess the consequences of my actions and punish me for them. I believe the punishment should not be reduced. I have already apologised, but I know that actions have consequences."
He added: "Never, at any moment, have I interfered in any technical or tactical decision of any coach or national team manager in almost 25 years of career. I accept, for better or worse, what they propose that I do. I respect the decision, and when they break their word to me, I feel that my place is not there."
Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and has vowed to play again for his country, promising a farewell to the supporters. Given his political clout, he will likely get one, whether his manager wants him involved or not.
Ultimately, Ronaldo is close to the end of his international career. While he has always carried an element of hassle and baggage, for so long he was worth it for what he produced. That scale tipped some time ago, longer than he and his followers would like to acknowledge.
Messi has been quiet for years, but the strength of feeling inside that stadium in Argentina on Tuesday night was as loud a statement as one could see. Ronaldo, meanwhile, is doing what he can to ensure history remembers his final days in a quite different way.
