Cristiano and Messi return to their national teams after 265 days

Age catches up with everyone, even with the best. Even the best players in the last decade in world football lose sharpness. That is why Cristiano Ronaldo, 34, and Lionel Messi, 31, both decided to take a break after the World Cup and come back fully refreshed. 

The Argentine last put on the Argentina shirt on 30th June 2018. That day, despite his two assists, France, who ended up being the Champions, sent his Argentina team home in the last 16 (4-2). 265 days later, Messi will play for his country once again in the game against Venezuela. It is his first call-up since Lionel Scaloni took over as Argentina manager. 

The manager wanted to bring in fresh legs for the friendlies played after the World Cup. With the Barcelona player's consent, Messi rested and saved himself various long trips while the coach gave an opportunity to the young players and tried out various things.  In his absence, the 'Albiceleste' have played six games. They only lost against Brazil (the only goal they have conceded). Argentina also drew 0-0 against Colombia and four victories against Guatemala (3-0), Iraq (4-0) and two 2-0 wins over Mexico. 

As is usual, Cristiano Ronaldo's situation is quite similar. Atlhough it could be even more suprising since Portugal has played competitive matches in a competition (Nations League) in which, the Portuguese team made the final four. His signing for Juve raised both expectation and responsability. CR7, aware of the change in league, took advantage of the international breaks to accelerate his adaptation to the Italian league. 

Portugal, meanwhile, played four Nations League games and two friendlies. Firstly, they defeated Italy (1-0) and Poland (2-3) while they drew 1-1 at home to Poland and 0-0 away to Italy. This was enough for them to qualify for the final four which they will host in June. Furthermore, they won 1-3 versus Scotland and drew 1-1 against Croatia in two friendlies. 

His last game for his country was also in the last 16 in Russia. Uruguay knocked out the Portuguese on 30th June, which means if he plays against Ukraine, he will finally end his run of 265 days without playing just like his arch-rival Lionel Messi. Against the Ukrainians, Portugal will start their Euro 2020 qualification, a title which they will seek to defend after winning it in 2016. They could also qualify if they win the Nations League, but, just in case, their job starts against Ukraine and then versus Serbia three days later.