Messi and Ronaldo miss Penalties, sparking retirem...

Messi and Ronaldo miss Penalties, sparking retirement rumours

Oscar J Jeke

The beautiful game witnessed a collective gasp this week as footballing royalty, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, both faltered from the penalty spot.

This, for players who have spent their careers etching their names on the record books with clinical precision, sent shockwaves through the sport.

For over two decades, these two titans have dominated the sport, mesmerising fans with their flair, ferocious strikes, and guaranteed celebrations from the penalty arc.

But their recent misses, remarkably on different continents but at the same time, have ignited questions about the twilight of their careers.

Ronaldo's agonising collapse after a crucial penalty miss against Slovenia mirrored the despair etched on Messi's face after a similar miss against Ecuador.

Analysts were quick to label these incidents as the beginning of the end - a curtain call for these legendary figures on the biggest stages.

Both players have alluded to the influence of time. Ronaldo has declared this European Championship his last, while Messi has hinted at letting his body decide his retirement date.

Despite the miss, Ronaldo's post-match comments were poignant.

"This will be my last Euro, of course," he admitted.

"But I am not moved by this, I am moved by enthusiasm. I was sorry for the fans. I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not. And I will do this my whole life. You have to take responsibility."

While the spotlight focuses on Messi and Ronaldo, the tournament marches on. Portugal was booted out by France in the quarter-finals, while Argentina prepares to face either Brazil or Uruguay in the semi-finals.

A new generation, inspired by the careers of these titans, now takes centre stage, aiming to create their own legacies.