Ronaldo deserved a farewell like Messi’s, says Gary Lineker

Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit for Portugal differed greatly from Lionel Messi’s emotional Argentina farewell, prompting Gary Lineker to say the Portuguese great deserved a similar send-off. | Photo Credit: AFP

Gary Lineker believes Cristiano Ronaldo deserved an international farewell similar to the emotional send-off Lionel Messi received with Argentina, describing the apparent end to the Portuguese star’s national-team career as a sad one.

Ronaldo, 41, issued a detailed statement on Tuesday explaining his abrupt departure from the Portugal camp last week. The forward accused coach Jorge Jesus of failing to honour promises made to him.

His situation stood in stark contrast to that of long-time rival Messi, who marked his final appearance for Argentina with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin.

Messi, 39, was given an emotional reception in Buenos Aires as he brought down the curtain on his international career. Lineker felt Ronaldo, Portugal’s record scorer with 146 goals, merited a similarly celebratory farewell.

Lineker said it was unfortunate to see Ronaldo’s international career seemingly ending amid disagreement after everything he had achieved for Portugal.

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Speaking at the Leaders Week sports industry conference at Stamford Bridge, the former England striker said the controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s departure was unlikely to define how he would eventually be remembered.

According to Lineker, Ronaldo’s extraordinary career and achievements would remain the lasting memory, rather than the circumstances surrounding his final days with the national team.

He contrasted the episode with Messi’s farewell, describing the Argentine’s send-off as a fitting and beautiful conclusion and saying Ronaldo deserved the same treatment.

Ronaldo and Messi have defined an era of football, competing for individual and team honours across nearly two decades. Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, while Ronaldo has claimed the prize five times.

Neither player is regarded among the leading contenders for this year’s award, but England captain Harry Kane remains firmly in the discussion.

Kane drew level with former goalkeeper Peter Shilton as England’s joint-most capped player after making his 125th international appearance against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

The striker also extended his national scoring record to 91 goals by finding the net in England’s 3-0 victory.

Lineker, who scored 48 goals for England, said Kane deserved to be considered among the finest players the country had produced.