Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina against Benin on Tuesday as rival Cristiano Ronaldo faces a sudden departure from Portugal.
Messi plays his farewell match at 20:00 Brasilia time at the Monumental de Nunez stadium in Buenos Aires, bringing an end to his long international career with the Albiceleste.
The exhibition game against West African opponent Benin is arranged as a festive send-off for the Argentine captain. The match will also mark the final national team appearance of another World Cup winner in the squad.
The match takes place at the Estadio Monumental, the traditional home of River Plate and Argentina's primary national stadium. For two decades, Messi and Ronaldo dominated world football, sharing multiple Ballon d'Or awards while competing at the highest level of European club and international football.
Turmoil in the Portugal national team
While Argentina prepares a celebratory farewell for Messi, Ronaldo is involved in a growing crisis within the Portugal national team during the current FIFA international match window.
The friction inside the Portuguese squad began when head coach Jorge Jesus left the forward on the bench during a UEFA Nations League fixture against Norway.
Following his benching against Norway, the veteran striker left the team training camp while Portugal prepared for their subsequent match against Denmark.
The FIFA international window features mandatory releases for national team duty, with European teams competing in official fixtures across the UEFA Nations League, Europe's biennial international tournament.
The unexpected departure generated widespread public debate across Portugal, prompting comments from national figures including the President of Portugal.
Jorge Jesus addresses squad dispute
In response to the tension, head coach Jorge Jesus publicly sought reconciliation and insisted that the national team door remains open for the experienced striker.
Speaking to Portuguese television broadcaster RTP, Jesus explained that he did not know what would happen next and stated that everything remained open regarding the forward's international future.
Jesus added that Ronaldo must decide his career direction prior to the next squad announcement, emphasizing that if the player is active and wishes to represent Portugal, he can return whenever he chooses.
Jesus took charge of the national team following an extensive club managerial career that included major trophies at Portuguese clubs Benfica and Sporting CP, as well as coaching spells in Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo conditions for returning
Despite the head coach offering a path back to the squad, reports from Portugal indicate that the player remains unwilling to return under the present leadership.
Journalist Rui Santos reported on CNN Portugal that Ronaldo has made it clear he does not intend to play for the national team as long as Jesus remains head coach.
The disagreement leaves the two legendary forwards facing starkly different ends to their international careers, with Messi celebrating his final appearance in Buenos Aires while Ronaldo's future with Portugal remains in doubt.
