The Messi comparison: Walid Regragui exposes the bitter truth behind Ronaldo's exit

Former Morocco national team manager Walid Regragui has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo never received the same level of reverence in Portugal as Lionel Messi enjoys in Argentina, criticising the handling of the 41 year old's international career.

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A disciplinary dispute and 'Bad Management'

Regragui’s comments, made during an appearance on the French television programme Canal Football Club on Sunday, followed a major controversy in the Portuguese camp.

On Saturday, the Portuguese Football Federation announced the opening of disciplinary proceedings against the Al-Nassr forward. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly left the national team camp following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus regarding his playing time in the UEFA Nations League.

While Regragui who stepped down as Morocco manager in March 2026, acknowledged Ronaldo’s massive contribution to his country, he felt the current situation could have been avoided with better communication.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has given a lot to Portugal. The status that many Portuguese players have gained, as well as Portuguese football itself, is due to what Ronaldo has achieved" Regragui stated.

"This doesn't give him the right to do whatever he wants but I think everything in this final stage was managed badly. They should have sat down with him and said, 'We have to stop here'"

Regragui also noted that Ronaldo's previous relationship with Jesus from their time at Al-Nassr should have facilitated a clearer dialogue about his future with the national team, adding that the public fallout has damaged both parties.

The Lionel Messi comparison

The coach then drew a direct comparison between Ronaldo's situation and how the Argentina squad treats their captain.

"What I want to say is that what happened would never have happened in Argentina... The great admiration that Argentines have for Messi, as well as the players for him, I didn't feel that the Portuguese showed Ronaldo the same level" Regragui explained.

He highlighted how the Argentine squad was willing to fight and sacrifice for Messi during their recent World Cup campaigns, a level of collective devotion he feels was absent in the Portuguese setup.

What happens next?

Addressing Ronaldo's motivation to continue playing international football at 41, Regragui suggested that personal milestones are driving the forward's ambition.

"I think Ronaldo, also driven by pride, wants to reach 1,000 goal and perhaps achieve that with the national team. But the end result paints a bad picture" he concluded.

The Portuguese FA's disciplinary process will now determine Ronaldo's immediate future with the national team, as fans await the official outcome of his dispute with Jorge Jesus.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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