Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he will continue playing for the national team, saying, “My goal is to complete 1,000 career goals and win the Nations League with Portugal.” The 41-year-old Ronaldo is just 21 goals away from reaching the milestone.
According to the private TV channel Express News, Ronaldo revealed that he had considered retiring from international football after Portugal’s defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 at the World Cup. However, following discussions with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença and new coach Jorge Jesus, he decided to continue playing.
Ronaldo, who has represented Portugal 233 times, said that he can still help the team with goals as well as off the field. However, he added that when he feels the team no longer needs him, he will leave the national side himself.
New coach Jorge Jesus has also confirmed that Ronaldo will start for Portugal in his first match against Wales.
Lionel Messi returns to Argentina team after retirement
The Argentine Football Association has confirmed that Messi will once again be seen on the field in Argentina’s famous blue-and-white jersey, where he will be given an official farewell following his illustrious international career.
The 39-year-old Messi will play his final match for Argentina against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. According to AFA President Claudio Tapia, after consultation with coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi was invited to play a farewell match in front of the fans, which the star footballer accepted.
The match will provide the veteran footballer with an opportunity to bid adieu to supporters on home soil after a historic international career spanning more than two decades.
The AFA has also sent invites to members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to attend the occasion alongside Messi. The federation expects the event to serve as a special celebration of the team’s World Cup victory and Messi’s major role in Argentina’s success.
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