Lionel Messi confirms Argentina retirement: His stats compared to Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal

Lionel Messi confirmed his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an end to a career filled with achievements as well as setbacks. Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, one of Portugal’s greatest figures, are inevitable, and here we take a look at how the two careers compare.

These statistics could change, as Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to continue playing for Portugal. Two legends who have given 100% for their countries, and the end of an era that appears to be drawing near.

The reasons behind Messi’s decision

The latest defeat in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain was a major blow for Messi, who was later revealed to have played in the tournament while his father was in poor health. Following Jorge’s passing, the No. 10 felt that it was time to bring his career with La Albiceleste to an end, closing out a career filled with remarkable achievements.

That August 17, 2005, will forever be remembered in history as the date when Lionel Messi made his official debut for the Argentina national team. Twenty-one years later, his legacy will live on forever in the eyes of fans of this sport.

See also

Lionel Messi retires from Argentina: When does his Inter Miami contract expire?

Ronaldo still wants more with Portugal

Although after Portugal’s 2026 World Cup exit Ronaldo said that it would be his final appearance in the tournament, he hasn’t retired from international duty yet. Therefore, CR7 is expected to join his teammates during the next FIFA international break.

It includes six matches, all of them corresponding to the UEFA Nations League. These are the final games the Portuguese national team will play in 2026:

• vs Wales, September 24
• at Norway, September 27
• at Denmark, October 1
• vs Norway, October 4
• vs Denmark, November 14
• at Wales, November 17