IT’S the conclusion of an era for two of football’s finest.

Just weeks after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, Cristiano Ronaldo has followed suit.

The Portuguese icon, now 41, will no longer represent his country after departing from the squad following a disagreement.

He revealed the news in a heartfelt video shared on social media after a confrontation with manager Jorge Jesus.

In contrast, Messi, at 39, exited on a celebratory note, playing a farewell friendly against Benin in a packed Buenos Aires stadium.

He scored a goal and provided two assists while bidding goodbye to his devoted fans.

Off the field, both footballers have amassed extraordinary wealth from their illustrious careers and successful ventures.

They’ve also managed to balance a relentless work ethic with family life and nurturing their large households.

On the international stage

On the international platform, Ronaldo and Messi have been prolific scorers.

Driven by a quest for silverware, their rivalry persisted as they transitioned into the sport’s elder statesmen.

Messi made his debut at just 18 years old in 2005 for Argentina against Hungary but was sent off merely 47 seconds after being substituted in.

Ronaldo’s debut was a significant moment as well; he also debuted at 18, taking over from Portuguese legend Luis Figo during a match against Kazakhstan.

Messi accumulated an impressive 208 international caps, netting 126 goals throughout his career with Argentina.

Ronaldo outperformed Messi’s tally, securing 234 caps and scoring 146 goals for Portugal.

Nevertheless, Messi achieved what Ronaldo has yet to capture — the World Cup, triumphing in 2022.

Ronaldo’s crowning glory on the international stage came in 2016 when Portugal clinched the Euros in a narrow 1-0 victory over France.

Individually, Messi has been honored with the Ballon d’Or a record eight times, while Ronaldo has five to his name.

Business acumen

Both athletes have enjoyed significant earnings from their respective clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr.

However, Ronaldo’s contract with the Saudi Arabian club is nothing short of extraordinary.

In 2025, he inked an extension worth a staggering £492 million over two years, marking the highest salary ever allotted to a football player, catapulting his net worth over the billion-pound mark.

Earlier this year, Messi was also reported to have joined the billionaire ranks, largely thanks to astute business decisions.

His extensive business empire is estimated to be worth around £830 million.

He owns stakes in four clubs, including Spanish teams UE Cornella and CD Eldense, the Uruguayan club Deportivo LSM, and Inter Miami upon his retirement.

His real estate investments encompass several hotels in prime locations such as Ibiza and Andorra.

Adidas has also signed him to a lifetime endorsement deal, which will only increase his wealth.

Messi commented at the America Business Forum last year: “Business interests me. I would like to continue learning because I still have a lot to discover and I’m just at the beginning.”

Ronaldo has recently invested in the lower-tier Spanish club Almeria.

Moreover, he has diversified his interests; in 2025, he collaborated with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn to establish a film studio, UR•Marv.

In 2024, prior to aspiring to Hollywood, Ronaldo launched his official YouTube channel, UR•Cristiano.

Since launching, Ronaldo has appeared alongside Mr. Beast, discussed football with Rio Ferdinand, and provided fans a glimpse into the lifestyle of the world’s most celebrated footballer.

Ronaldo also owns a global hotel chain. His Pestana CR7 hotels currently feature luxury destinations in Lisbon, Funchal, Madrid, New York, and Marrakech.

They have plans to expand with resorts in Paris, Riyadh, and the UK by 2027.

Cars

Ronaldo has invested a significant portion of his fortune into an incredible vehicle collection.

His garage was valued at approximately £100 million at last count.

Included are ultra-rare models such as a Bugatti Centodieci, worth an astonishing £12.5 million.

With only ten ever made, this 1,600-horsepower behemoth is parked alongside a £5 million Bugatti Chiron and a £2.5 million Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse.

The former Manchester United star also acquired an awe-inspiring Ferrari SP3 Daytona, valued at £6 million, in addition to an open-top Ferrari Monza SP1 worth around £5 million.

He even owns a family-friendly £500,000 Ferrari Purosangue SUV, along with a classic Ferrari 599 GTO, costing roughly £1 million.

As if that’s not enough to make car enthusiasts envious, Ronaldo also possesses a track-ready Mercedes-AMG ONE, a £2.4 million vehicle outfitted with a Formula 1 engine.

Messi’s vehicle collection is believed to be worth around £500 million, featuring a rare Pagani Zonda worth £4 million.

His most impressive car, however, is the Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti, which he purchased for £28 million.

He allegedly outbid Ronaldo for this beauty, as their rivalry extends to beyond the pitch and into the auction room.

In addition to these supercars, Messi also has a penchant for brands like Audi, Land Rover, and Mercedes.

Wags

Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo first crossed paths in their childhood in Rosario, Argentina.

Their lives intertwined once more in 2000, when a close friend of Antonela’s tragically passed away in a car accident.

Upon hearing the news, 19-year-old Messi returned home to console Antonela, sparking a romance that eventually led to marriage.

Their wedding in 2017 was dubbed the ‘Wedding of the Century’ by the Argentine press.

They have three sons together: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, and Antonela has also forged her own professional path.

In 2014, she launched a high-end children’s clothing line called Enfans, and has been featured in campaigns for renowned brands like Alo Yoga, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Guerlain, and Lancôme.

Ronaldo met his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, while she was employed at a Gucci retail store in Madrid in 2016.

Since then, she has transformed from a sales assistant into one of the world’s most famous Wags, aided by her Netflix reality series, I Am Georgina.

In August, the couple finally tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their home in Cascais, attended only by their children and four witnesses.

Together, they are raising five children in Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, along with daughters Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda.