Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message to Lionel Messi at the World Cup

Saudi fans react to Cristiano Ronaldo news

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Ahead of Argentina’s World Cup clash with Croatia this evening, it has emerged Cristiano Ronaldo has no plans of quitting international duty. And with the Portugal star unwilling to throw in the towel just yet, that sends a message to Lionel Messi. This tournament in Qatar might, just might, not be the last time we see the 37-year-old at a major tournament after all…

Ronaldo had gone into the World Cup hoping to fire Portugal to the golden trophy and etch his name into footballing folklore – even more – in the process.

His tournament started well enough when he scored from the penalty spot in his side’s 3-2 victory over Ghana on matchday one.

However, in the end, Ronaldo regressed. After drawing blanks against Uruguay and South Korea, he was then demoted to the role of substitute for contests with Switzerland and Morocco.

He came on in both matches but, with Portugal crashing out to the latter on Saturday afternoon, it seemed to signal the end of an era.

Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here

Ronaldo walked off the field in tears, his head down, barely paying any attention to a pitch invader who had tried to play the role of his consoler.

Many thought this was the last time he’d be seen on such a stage. At the age of 37, retirement surely can’t be too far away.

Yet today, news has broke that Ronaldo has no intention of hanging up his boots. That applies to club football, as well as the international scene, such is his belief he can still cut it at the highest level.

In deciding not to retire, Ronaldo has essentially sent a message to Messi that, regardless of what happens at the World Cup from this point on, he’s still going to be around.

It is a testament to his elite mentality that the forward, who saw his Manchester United contract terminated by mutual consent last month, believes in himself despite his waning form.

Whereas this could be Messi’s last major tournament, his long-term rival plans to play on.

After 196 caps, Ronaldo still feels as though he can keep going. Whereas many think this is his final World Cup, the big man himself is yet to actually answer that question.

Certainly, he’s got his sights set on representing his country at Euro 2024 – which is just 18 months away.

And as Messi goes for gold, for a trophy that has so far eluded him, Ronaldo has indicated he’s got no intentions of quitting the sport they both love just yet.

Regarding his club future, it’ll be interesting to see Ronaldo goes.

He managed to secure a United exit last month after ripping into Erik ten Hag, the Glazers and the facilities at the club’s Carrington training complex in an interview with Piers Morgan.

Back in the summer, Ronaldo was linked with Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Napoli at a time where his Old Trafford future was up in the air.

Yet, so far, the only credible suitors for the 37-year-old appears to be Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

They were interested in Ronaldo prior to the season commencing, too, even offering United a fee close to £25million to let him go.

And whether Ronaldo ends up moving to the Middle East, in a deal that would make him the world’s best-paid footballer, is something only time will tell. 

Source: Read Full Article