Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could finally share the pitch as teammates for the first time, with both superstars expected to feature in Carlos Tevez’s long-awaited testimonial match in December.
Messi and Ronaldo have spent much of their careers as fierce rivals, particularly during their years at Barcelona and Real Madrid, when their battle for supremacy dominated world football.
However, their paths could cross on the same side later this year after former Manchester United and Argentina star Tevez revealed plans to bring the two legends together for his testimonial at Boca Juniors’ iconic La Bombonera Stadium.
“Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will be there,” Tevez said. “I’ll go pick them myself if I have to. I have both of them on WhatsApp.”
Tevez, who retired from professional football in 2021, has yet to hold a testimonial match despite a glittering career that included spells at Boca Juniors, Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus.
According to reports by A Bola, Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme has approved Tevez’s request to stage the testimonial at La Bombonera.
Messi and Ronaldo are expected to headline an impressive list of invited former teammates and rivals, including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon.
Messi played alongside Tevez for Argentina between 2005 and 2015, while Ronaldo and Tevez formed part of Manchester United’s formidable attacking unit alongside Rooney from 2007 to 2009.
The trio helped United win back-to-back Premier League titles, as well as the UEFA Champions League, League Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
If Messi and Ronaldo both honour Tevez’s invitation, the testimonial could deliver a football moment fans have waited years to see: two of the greatest players in history wearing the same colours and sharing the pitch as teammates.
