# Messi and Ronaldo farewell

> Messi ends Argentina career; Ronaldo accuses coach of betrayal.
- Title: Messi and Ronaldo farewell · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Messi ends Argentina career; Ronaldo accuses coach of betrayal. Lionel Messi retired from international football after a goal in Buenos Aires, while…
- Keywords: lionel messi, cristiano ronaldo, portugal, argentina, jorge jesus, nations league, world cup, messi retirement, ronaldo statement, football, sports, Messi
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cw5ynm4e0d68o
- Published: 2026-10-07T15:04:38.602+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lionel messi, cristiano ronaldo, portugal, argentina, jorge jesus, nations league, world cup, messi retirement, ronaldo statement, football, sports
## Messi's farewell
Argentina's Lionel Messi retired from international football after scoring a goal against Benin in Buenos Aires.
## Ronaldo's accusation
Cristiano Ronaldo accused Portugal's coach Jorge Jesus of an 'absolute breach of trust' in a social media statement.
## Ronaldo's statement
Ronaldo claimed Jesus broke his word twice and called him a liar three times in a 2,000-word Instagram post.
## Ronaldo's stance
Ronaldo wants Portugal to punish him but insists he will play farewell matches, not retire immediately.
## Jesus's response
Jesus said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return to Portugal's national team if he chooses.
## Ronaldo's age
At 41, Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances, both world records.
## Ronaldo's goals
Ronaldo has 979 goals for Portugal, aiming for 1,000 before retiring.
## Fan reactions
Portuguese fans split between thanking Ronaldo and criticizing Jesus on billboards and T-shirts.

> Thank you Cristiano Ronaldo for everything you did for Portugal. You will always be our captain. Jorge Jesus was not up to the task. Lack of sensitivity. Treating a captain wrongly. Inflated ego.
## Messi's retirement
Messi retired from international football after Argentina finished runners-up at the World Cup.
## Messi's speech
Messi spoke for nearly 10 minutes to fans after scoring a goal in his final match.
## Messi's social media
Messi thanked fans and clubs on social media, saying he was missing the Argentina jersey.

> Yesterday was my last match and I'm already missing the light blue and white jersey. I know I'm taking the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of joy and some sadness, but I know for sure that every step I took was worth it.
## Ronaldo's response
Ronaldo congratulated Messi on his retirement, saying he made history.

> Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you've made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you've accomplished with Argentina. A hug.
## Key takeaway

Lionel Messi retired from international football after a goal in Buenos Aires, while Cristiano Ronaldo accused Portugal's coach of an 'absolute breach of trust' in a social media statement.