English legend Gary Lineker believes Ronaldo deserved a national team farewell as dignified as Messi's.
Lineker made the remarks during the "Sports Industry Leaders Week" conference held at Stamford Bridge in London. This came 24 hours after Ronaldo published a lengthy post explaining his sudden departure from Portugal's national team training camp, accusing coach Jorge Jesus of breaking promises.
Meanwhile, Messi bid farewell to Argentine fans in an ideal send-off. He scored one goal and provided two assists in a 3-0 friendly win against Benin, helping Argentina secure victory. The Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires was filled with applause and songs, with the atmosphere throughout the evening a tribute to his entire career.
Lineker told reporters: "I think it's a bit of a shame because he was such a great player. Ultimately, in five or ten years, no one will remember the tension; they'll only remember his greatness."
Lineker added: "But I think Messi's farewell was really moving, and I feel Cristiano deserved the same treatment."
These comments once again highlighted the historic rivalry between the two superstars. For over a decade, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football, with Messi winning the Ballon d'Or eight times and Ronaldo seven times. Nevertheless, neither is considered a favorite for this year's Ballon d'Or.
During his speech, Lineker also praised his compatriot Kane. Kane equaled England's appearance record after the match against the Czech Republic, matching legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton with 125 caps. His national team goal tally also reached 91 after the 3-0 victory.
Lineker, who scored 48 goals for England, called current England captain Kane one of the greatest players in English history, stating: "I think he deserves to be on that list, perhaps alongside Bobby Charlton, or even Bobby Moore. Look at his accolades; it's astonishing."
He said: "He's not just a goalscorer, not just a box player like me; he's much more than that. He can drop deep to get the ball, pass across the field, and score all kinds of goals with both feet and his head. He can do everything."
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Nykie
1
And he'll a much bigger farewell
luecdelnrt
1
are u stupid,y do you think should it b the same as #LM#10#.ronaldo deserve nothing as same as messi...
Dihaciknyz
0
One thing you guys aren't taking into consideration by praising Messi's attitude for receiving such a great farewell is, his coaching staff always show him respect. If Messi will be benched or not be in a matchday squad, it's something he consented to, mostly due to not being fit. Ronaldo deserves that same treatment. Discuss with him, and keep your promise. If he won't play, tell him, but don't promise a different thing and do another. A player of his caliber shouldn't be warming up on the sidelines, hoping to be featured, and would not touch the pitch. It's disrespectful.
Respect is what you earn,you work for it to get it ,if you don't get it it means you don't deserve it. How cr7 wants everything Messi got but didn't gave what Messi gave to deserve respect. Now you see how mature Messi is and how weak,fibble minded, immature and easy to toy with cr7 is at 42 behaving like a baby,So sorry for you and your goat
Dihaciknyz
0
Both played against each other 9yr in La Liga Cristiano won 8times, Messi won 14times both played 8 draws, Cristiano scored 18 goals and Messi 21 goals, Cristiano won 2 la Liga in 9yrs, Messi won 7, Cristiano won La Liga Best player once, Messi won 6 times against cr7. Messi scored More goals at Bernabeu than Cristiano scored at Camp Nou,for the 9yrs Messi dominated, decimated, subdued and conquered Cristiano and because of all these cr7 ran away from under Messi's dominance and supremacy so no need for both to play any useless match. Moreover,how will they play together or against each other when Portugal have chased him out of the national team and cr7 is now teamless at the moment, anyway Messi is done and don't have interest in such needles stuffs you're talking about.Simple. Since cr7 doesn't want to retire now,let him wait till mbappe want to retire so both can play farewell match together.
laqracka_
1
He's stabbing himself 😂 those injuries are self-inflicted
AzizAluke
3
his stupidity cost him that🤣
Luabemnou
0
One thing you guys aren't taking into consideration by praising Messi's attitude for receiving such a great farewell is, his coaching staff always show him respect. If Messi will be benched or not be in a matchday squad, it's something he consented to, mostly due to not being fit. Ronaldo deserves that same treatment. Discuss with him, and keep your promise. If he won't play, tell him, but don't promise a different thing and do another. A player of his caliber shouldn't be warming up on the sidelines, hoping to be featured, and would not touch the pitch. It's disrespectful.
Sudbimnptu
0
salmsnxn
Sudbimnptu
1
sksxnxoxnz
Luabemnou
0
This is true in every sense
AFerRelf0958
1
The manager made a decision not to use a player in a specific situation. Must it really make the news?
oluwagoddy
1
Bruno will off the stadium lights
oluwagoddy
1
YOU WISH😂😂😂 bobo
Lesabnou
1
Argentina have a history of respecting their legends cuz they have always had legendary players ..... Portugal on the other hand does not have any knowledge about how to handle Legends.....they have not really had any one near CR7 standard
kaeabelnu
1
they must both play farewell matches across the globe and then play against each other and with each other in one team.... that certainly would be fun and great
Juzabdikny
2
I agree with you, but his attitude could be an obstacle.
sekiklmny
4
he is selfish. he should have behaved like Messi to get a farewell like Messi
luecikmuy
2
never 🤣🤣🤣