The last time they appeared in national team colors was on Russian soil in the summer of 2018, but Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will both be returning to represent their countries on Friday. The iconic duo have sat out all their respective nations’ games since they exited the World Cup on the same day – June 30 – last year, and by a twist of fate both are expected to return to international action almost simultaneously. Messi will end his self-imposed mini-exile as he captains Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, a game which kicks off 15 minutes after Ronaldo will likely lead Portugal out in their UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against Ukraine at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Also on rt.com Messi and Ronaldo equally blessed and cursed to be playing in same generation, says Mourinho (VIDEO) The pair’s return comes more than nine months since they suffered World Cup agony at the last 16 stage, where Argentina lost a 4-3 thriller to eventual winners France and Portugal were rolled over 2-1 by Uruguay. Much has unfolded since then. Ronaldo completed a $117 million switch from Real Madrid to Juventus in the summer,…