Gary Lineker compares Ronaldo’s career end to Messi’s farewell

Former England striker Gary Lineker has expressed sadness regarding the conclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career, noting that it appears to have ended in acrimony. Speaking at the Leaders Week sports industry conference, Lineker suggested that the 41-year-old Portuguese forward deserved a more celebratory farewell, similar to the emotional ovation Lionel Messi received during his final match for Argentina in Buenos Aires.

Ronaldo recently issued a statement explaining his sudden departure from the Portugal national team camp, in which he accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking promises. This stands in contrast to Messi’s final appearance, where the 39-year-old scored one goal and provided two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin.