Cristiano Ronaldo experienced an unusual 24-hour period in which he publicly apologised to three different groups before sending a farewell message to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain’s final international appearance.
The Al Nassr forward released a statement on Instagram only a few hours before Messi played what was described as his last match for Argentina ahead of his retirement from international football.
Messi led the world champions to a 3-0 victory over Benin early on Wednesday, scoring one of the goals from the penalty spot.
Ronaldo’s statement focused on the events surrounding his departure from Portugal’s training camp in Denmark last week. He left after a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus, following the manager’s decision not to select him for the Nations League group-stage match against Norway.
The Portugal captain apologised first to the supporters who had attended the Norway game. Ronaldo left the pitch immediately after the final whistle rather than going over to acknowledge them, an action he said should not have happened, regardless of how angry he had become after Jesus failed to honour a promise to play him.
He also apologised to his Portugal team-mates and to the Portuguese public for leaving the national team’s camp in Denmark without permission.
Ronaldo went further by asking the Portuguese Football Federation to impose an appropriate punishment on him.
The series of apologies stood out because they represented an unusual departure from the behaviour associated with Ronaldo throughout his long career. The 40-year-old has rarely been seen making such a public admission after a dispute.
Around 24 hours after issuing the statement, Ronaldo offered another notable gesture, this time directed at his long-time rival Messi.
Following Messi’s final international appearance for Argentina, Ronaldo posted a message on Instagram recognising the contribution the forward had made to his country.
“Leo, you spent many years defending your country and have left a legacy that will live on in history. I have the utmost respect for what you achieved with Argentina. My best wishes,” wrote Ronaldo, who is also known as the “Madeira Rocket”.
The message was widely praised by football fans around the world. It reflected the respect between two players regarded as among the greatest in football history, with many considering them the two finest players ever.
Ronaldo’s statement and tribute came during a significant period for both players, with Messi marking the end of his Argentina career and Ronaldo addressing the fallout from his dispute with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.