Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario de Lima is one of a few big South American names from the football world to have some not-so-kind words about Lionel Messi’s recent decision to retire from international football.
The Barcelona superstar dropped the bombshell and admitted he’ll no longer play for La Albiceleste after he experienced heartbreak with the national side once more, losing the Copa America Centenario final on penalties to Chile only a year after losing the 2015 final to La Roja via spot-kicks.
Fans urged the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to go back on his retirement, whilst Argentina president Mauricio Macri and iconic World Cup winner Diego Maradona advised the 29-year-old to rethink his decision.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, feels that Messi has abandoned his fans, but the former Selecao striker did admit he hopes to see La Pulga change his mind and return to in football.
Speaking to Xinhua news agency, Ronaldo said (as per Goal): "We all feel abandoned by Messi and hope he can change his decision.”
Leo has taken some heat from football fans, with several followers of the beautiful game slamming the Blaugrana legend for walking away at a comparatively young age, drawing comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo who, at 31, is still going strong for Portugal.
Whilst Messi fluffed the opening penalty in the Copa final, blasting it above the crossbar, Cristiano stood up for his nation to convert the first spot kick, as Fernando Santos’ men dumped Poland out of UEFA Euro 2016 on penalties to book their spot in the semis.
Thankfully, #Ronaldo didn't miss his penalty shot. Doesn't have to retire :P #POL vs #Por #PortugalvsPoland #EURO2016
— Sandeep Pillai (@zevishmael) July 1, 2016
. "Cristiano Ronaldo"
— Fahad Zafar (@fahadzafar459) June 30, 2016
Went for Penalty Shootouts
Scored the Penalty
Won the Match
Did not Retire #Respect
Don't cry when you miss and penalty and retire from the international team ..step up like Ronaldo did and simple SCORE. #MentalStrength #CR7
— RUSSELL (@Lahi2Official) June 30, 2016
One minute of silence for those who watched #POLPOR thinking Ronaldo would miss the first penalty and retire... pic.twitter.com/CoO3oSbYgW
— The Football Eagle (@TheFootEagle) July 1, 2016
Personally, I can't wait till Messi and Ronaldo both retire and we get rid of those plastic fans always comparing
— Wissam (@WNawfal) July 1, 2016
Ronaldo and his #POR side are in the semis, he took the first penalty and he didn't retire.
— DADA HALFCO (@IamDeeMerlon) June 30, 2016
If Ronaldo misses, Messi is going to un-retire
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 30, 2016
Portugal now await the winners of Friday’s Wales vs Belgium clash in the last 4.
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