Cristiano Ronaldo Should Retire from International Football Like Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo's Struggle in Portugal's National Team

For the past four years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been more of an obstacle than an asset for Portugal. His days as a guaranteed starter seem to be ending, and many think it's time he follows Lionel Messi's example and retires from international football.

Recent Comments and Performance

Before Portugal's Nations League match against Wales, Ronaldo was asked if he planned to retire after the 2026 World Cup. He admitted he had thought about it but insisted he believed he could still contribute, both on and off the pitch, supporting the younger generation. Still, his recent performances do not support that belief.

At the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo scored only once in five games. In Euro 2024, he failed to score in five appearances. At the 2026 World Cup, he netted three goals, but two came against a weak Uzbekistan side, and one was a penalty in a controversial win over Croatia where he barely touched the ball inside the box during his 81 minutes on the field.

He was ineffective against Morocco, France, and Spain, yet the team still revolved around him. Other players were expected to feed him chances and cover for his lack of movement. Once the deadliest striker in the world with 146 goals in 234 caps, Ronaldo’s peak seems to have passed since 2018. Watching this decline has been difficult, and it’s puzzling why he is still holding on at age 41. No athlete can outrun time.

A New Era Under Jorge Jesus

Jorge Jesus, who worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season, brought a new approach when he became Portugal’s coach. Jesus included Ronaldo in his first squad but made it clear the star player would no longer be guaranteed every minute of every match. This frankness was a departure from previous managers, even Fernando Santos, who only benched Ronaldo twice at the 2022 World Cup.

Ronaldo accepted the situation publicly, emphasizing his willingness to leave if the team no longer needed him. Despite his usual confidence, his role has shifted, and Jesus has begun making tough decisions.

Mixed Performances and Reduced Playing Time

In the Nations League opener against Wales, Ronaldo played but was wasteful in front of goal, missing a close-range chance and having a disallowed goal due to offside. After 68 minutes, Jesus substituted him for Goncalo Ramos, explaining that Ronaldo could no longer maintain the pressing required.

Jesus then shocked fans by leaving Ronaldo out of the lineup entirely in the next match against Norway—Ronaldo’s first competitive absence for Portugal in over 18 years. Portugal won 2-1 without him, and he left the stadium quickly after the game without greeting fans, signaling a shift in his status.

Jesus noted that although Ronaldo wasn’t used, he remains an option for future matches. He praised Ramos, the AC Milan forward, for his mobility, pressing ability, and contribution to the team’s balance—qualities Ronaldo no longer provides.

The Reality of Ronaldo's Role Now

Ronaldo has become a poacher waiting for service, unlike before when he was active all over the pitch. His presence forces Portugal into a cross-heavy style to maximize his scoring chances, which limits the team's flexibility. In big games, this hinders the team more than it helps.

If Ronaldo accepted a substitute role to impact games late, he might still offer value. Yet, such a diminished part feels awkward given his immense legacy. His international career is so monumental that stepping down gracefully would preserve his status better than clinging on.

Following Messi’s Example

Lionel Messi recently retired from international play, despite still being a top player for Inter Miami and having delivered a stunning World Cup performance in 2022. Messi recognized it was time to make way for younger talent and left on a high note, celebrated worldwide.

Ronaldo does not have a World Cup winner’s medal like Messi but boasts records as the most-capped player and top scorer in international football history. He helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles. His contributions are unmatched, and there’s nothing left for him to prove.

The young Portuguese players already model themselves on Ronaldo’s prime years. He doesn’t need to compete with them now. As Jorge Jesus said, Ronaldo will always be a symbol of Portugal. Stepping back would earn him more respect than staying on for the wrong reasons.

Financial and Commercial Impact

Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond football. The Portuguese Football Federation relies heavily on his global fame for commercial deals and media attention. Losing him could slash their annual revenue by up to 45%, according to marketing experts.

Despite this, no one can force Ronaldo to retire; the choice lies solely with him. He can continue his club career at Al-Nassr without the heavy scrutiny he faces internationally. Remaining only harms his legacy.

He doesn’t owe anything financially to Portugal after boosting the federation's profile for over two decades. It’s time for him to let go. When he does, he will be remembered as one of football’s greatest, and the relief will outweigh any regrets.