Brief

Messi retires with a win as Ronaldo quits Portugal camp after benching

Messi scored a penalty and two assists in his farewell match, and Ronaldo posted an Instagram statement accusing coach Jorge Jesus of a breach of trust.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:42:08 GMT

On 6 October 2026, Lionel Messi closed his 21‑year international career as Argentina beat Benin 3‑0 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, while Cristiano Ronaldo announced his departure from Portugal’s Nations League camp after being an unused substitute in the 2‑1 win over Norway.

What happened

Messi opened the match with a penalty and later set up two further goals, helping Argentina secure a 3‑0 victory that marked his final appearance for the national side. The friendly, staged in front of a capacity crowd, was billed as his farewell after the Argentine Football Association confirmed his retirement in August.

In a separate Nations League fixture on 30 September, Portugal defeated Norway 2‑1. Ronaldo, who entered the match on the bench, was not used and later left the training camp in Copenhagen. He posted an almost‑2,000‑word statement on Instagram on 7 October, accusing manager Jorge Jesus of an “absolute breach of trust” for breaking a promise to play him against Norway and for failing to present an agreed version of events to the media.

What the reports add

BBC Sport noted that Ronaldo’s statement also apologised to fans and teammates, saying the consequences of his exit must be “assessed and punished”. The outlet quoted Portuguese football journalist José Delgado, who told BBC Radio 5 Live that “there is no way back” for Ronaldo, suggesting the rift may be irreversible. Jesus, however, told the BBC that the door remains open for Ronaldo to return if he wishes.

What was said

Ronaldo’s Instagram post said Jesus had twice “broke his word” and called the coach’s actions an “absolute breach of trust”. He added that “we will have one or more farewell matches, there will be time for that”. Jesus replied that the door is still open for Ronaldo’s return.

How it came about

Messi’s farewell was preceded by an honorary doctorate awarded by the University of Buenos Aires on 1 October and extensive media coverage of his final match. Ronaldo’s fallout with Portugal stems from a longer dispute over his role under former coach Roberto Martínez and the decision to bench him in the Nations League, which intensified after the Norway game.

Key facts

Lionel Messi scored a penalty and provided two assists in Argentina's 3‑0 win over Benin on 6 October 2026. (bbc.co.uk)
Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's Nations League camp after being an unused substitute in the 2‑1 win over Norway. (bbc.co.uk)
Ronaldo accused manager Jorge Jesus of an "absolute breach of trust" in an Instagram statement. (bbc.co.uk)
Jesus said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return to the national team. (bbc.co.uk)
Portuguese journalist José Delgado told BBC Radio 5 Live that there is "no way back" for Ronaldo. (bbc.co.uk)