Lineker says Cristiano Ronaldo deserved a farewell like Lionel Messi’s

Gary Lineker says Cristiano Ronaldo should have been given a farewell befitting his career, rather than leaving the Portugal camp amid tension, like the emotional send-off Lionel Messi received in Buenos Aires.

The former England striker was speaking at the Leaders Week in Sport conference at Stamford Bridge in London, 24 hours after Ronaldo, 41, issued a lengthy statement explaining his surprise departure from Portugal’s training camp last week.

In that statement, Ronaldo accused his manager Jorge Jesus of breaking promises.

The situation contrasted sharply with Messi’s farewell to Argentina supporters. Messi scored one goal and created two more as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly, receiving a sustained ovation and chants from the crowd at the Monumental.

The occasion appeared to serve as a celebration of Messi’s entire international career.

“I think it is a little sad because he was a great player,” Lineker told reporters. “In five or 10 years, nobody will remember this tension. We will only remember how great he was.”

He added: “But I thought Messi’s farewell was incredibly moving, and I think Cristiano deserves the same.”

The comparison has revived memories of the long rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo, who shared football’s summit for more than 15 years.

Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, compared with Ronaldo’s five, although neither player is considered among the leading contenders for this year’s award.

Lineker praises Kane’s England record

Lineker also used his appearance to praise his fellow Englishman Harry Kane, who equalled the England record for international appearances when he won his 125th cap against Czech Republic.

That brought Kane level with legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Kane also scored in England’s 3-0 victory, taking his international total to 91 goals.

Lineker, who scored 48 times for the Three Lions, described England captain Kane as one of the greatest players in the country’s history.

“I think he deserves to be in that list, perhaps alongside Bobby Charlton and maybe even Bobby Moore,” Lineker said. “Look at his record – it is incredible.”

He added: “He is not just a goalscorer, and he is not merely a penalty-box player like me. He is much more than that.

“He can drop deeper, distribute passes all over the pitch and score all kinds of goals – with both feet and with his head. He has everything.”