Messi currently leads the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot award after scoring five goals in Argentina’s opening two matches of this summer’s tournament, while Ronaldo silenced his critics with two goals against Uzbekistan after drawing a blank against DR Congo.
Cristiano has now scored 145 goals in 230 appearances for Portugal, while Messi has 122 goals in 201 matches for Argentina and recently bagged his 61st career hat-trick. Extraordinary numbers from two players who will always be part of greatest footballer of all time debates.
It’s strange to think that Messi would have been retired from international football for a full decade by now without the pleas from the Argentine public and his teammates.
After Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final – the fourth major final La Albiceleste had lost in the space of nine years – a devastated Messi, who missed a penalty in the shootout against Chile, announced his retirement.
“For me, the national team is over,” Messi, who was seen in tears after losing the final, told reporters. “I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.”
Aged 29 at the time, and with 113 international appearances to his name, Messi added: “It’s been four finals, I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.
“I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, then for everyone.
“I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it.
After hearing Messi’s emotional reaction to losing, Ronaldo – who was on the verge of winning Euro 2016 with Portugal – offered his view on his long-term rival’s shock decision.
“Messi has taken a tough decision and people should understand,” Ronaldo told Mundo Deportivo, per Sky Sports.
“He is not accustomed to defeats and disappointments, not even finishing second. Missing a penalty does not make you a bad player.
“It hurts to see Messi in tears and I hope he returns to his country, because he needs it.”
Ronaldo, perhaps the one player on the planet who could truly emphatise with Messi given his own global superstar status, admitted it ‘hurt’ to see Messi in tears – despite the fact they were battling for supremacy week-in, week-out with Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga at the time.
While Messi’s absence would have enhanced his and Portugal’s chances of success on the international stage over the next 10 years, Ronaldo made it clear that he preferred it if his rival reversed his decision.
