Lionel Messi played his last game in the blue and white of the Argentine team. took the adulation of the crowd in Buenos Aires and ended up with two assists and a goal against Benin on an emotional night. And he bowed out graciously. Job done. Gracias Leo
At the other end of the spectrum Ronaldo released a 1740 word statement on social media, accusing manager Jorge Jesus of an “absolute breach of trust” while admitting he should be held accountable for his own actions. So he’s determined to go out in a blaze of acrimony.
A nice quote from the Guardian on the difference between the two players.
“Messi’s farewell was an emotional, meticulously planned event that was only slightly spoilt by the obligatory corporate intrusion. Ronaldo’s continues to be a parable starring a martyr effectively calling for his own stoning while handing out the rocks.In the end, last orders are inevitably called for every sporting icon. The only real choice left to them is to drink up and leave through the front door, or get unceremoniously bounced out into a back alley after repeatedly insisting on their God-given right to one last pint” ( Barry Glendenning)
That sums it up very well.