By Basant El-Faramawy
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both ended their international careers, but with starkly different exits. Messi retired after the 2026 World Cup with a farewell match at Estadio Monumental, while Ronaldo left the Portugal squad following a dispute over playing time.
Messi's farewell after 2026 World Cup
Messi, 39, announced his retirement six weeks after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored eight goals and provided four assists at the tournament, briefly becoming the all-time top scorer before Kylian Mbappe overtook him. His final appearance came in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires. Messi's 21-year career included 207 caps, 125 goals, and 68 assists, yielding a World Cup, two Copa America titles, and an Olympic gold. His retirement followed the death of his father and agent, Jorge, at age 68.
Ronaldo's departure amid conflict
Ronaldo, 41, quit the Portugal squad after being left as an unused substitute for a Nations League match against Norway, ending a 23-year career. The Portuguese Football Federation fined him £215 and suspended him for 30 days. Ronaldo finishes as international football's all-time top scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances, and captained Portugal to the Euro 2016 title. His exit followed at least two years of criticism over his role in the team.
Contrasting legacies
While Messi departed at a peak of performance and with dignity, Ronaldo's legacy has been eroded by late-career antics. Both defined an era, but Messi's exit preserves his standing, whereas Ronaldo's prolonged stay damaged his "GOAT" argument.
