‘He deserves the same’: England legend laments Ronaldo’s finale compared to Messi’s

File Pics: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (Agency Image)

Former England striker Gary Lineker has expressed sadness over the way Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career appears to be ending, saying the Portugal great deserved a farewell similar to the emotional scenes that marked Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina.Ronaldo, 41, left the Portugal camp last week amid a dispute involving coach Jorge Jesus and subsequently issued a lengthy statement explaining his decision. Messi, meanwhile, signed off from international football with a memorable performance in Argentina’s 3-0 friendly win over Benin, scoring one goal and setting up two others in front of an emotional home crowd.The contrast prompted Lineker to reflect on how the two greatest players of their generation have approached the closing chapters of their international careers.

‘Cristiano deserves the same’

“I think it's a bit sad because he's been so great. And ultimately in five years, 10 years' time, no one will remember this. We'll just remember how great he was,” Lineker was quoted by Reuters as saying at the Leaders Week sports industry conference at Stamford Bridge.“But I think if you look at Messi's farewell, it was so beautiful. And I think Cristiano deserves the same.”Messi, 39, ended a 21-year international career with 126 goals, two Copa América titles and a World Cup triumph.

His final appearance for Argentina turned into an emotional celebration as supporters bid farewell to a player whose relationship with the country evolved from years of intense scrutiny to widespread adoration.Ronaldo and Messi have been compared throughout their careers in the debate over the greatest player of their generation. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times to Ronaldo's five, while Ronaldo remains Portugal's record scorer with 146 international goals.

Lineker hails ‘incredible’ Kane

Lineker also praised England captain Harry Kane, who equalled the country's record of 125 international appearances against the Czech Republic and took his England goal tally to 91 during a 3-0 win.Asked whether Kane belonged among England's greatest players, Lineker said: “I think he'd have to be in that conversation. Probably along with Bobby Charlton and maybe even Bobby Moore. I mean, look at his record, he's incredible.”

“He's not just a goalscorer either, he's not just a box player like I was. He's way more than that. He can drop deep, he sprays passes everywhere, he scores all sorts of goals, both feet, head, he's got everything,” he added.Lineker, who scored 48 goals for England, echoed the view that Kane's all-round contribution places him among the country's historic greats.