Messi lauded as Ronaldo involved in bitter dispute - a fitting finale?

As Lionel Messi awaits his farewell game for Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo is embroiled in a bitter dispute with Portugal. Adam Bate looks at two careers entwined once more and wonders whether there is any way for Ronaldo to have his own satisfactory ending...

Maybe it was inevitable, given how entwined their careers have been. But the comparison is irresistible. As Lionel Messi is lauded in Argentina during his farewell game, his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal career appears to be ending in acrimony.

For Messi enthusiasts, the temptation is to conclude that it tells you everything about the two men. For Ronaldo's more vociferous fans, it is proof of a player not being given his due. Why is he not being afforded such status after doing so much for his country?

Ronaldo started the narrow win over Wales without scoring but was benched for the trip to Norway and was so frustrated by not coming on that he departed the camp. Portugal won that match and coach Jorge Jesus has followed it up with two more in his absence.

Source: Sky Sports