Football Icons Messi, Ronaldo to Share Pitch for Tevez Testimonial

Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are slated to feature on the same side for the very first time later this year. These global icons have historically been rivals, clashing frequently during their peak careers at Barcelona and Real Madrid. Now, with Messi competing for Inter Miami in the United States and Ronaldo representing Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, supporters could finally witness them as teammates.

Both superstars are anticipated to join forces at Carlos Tevez's testimonial game, scheduled for December. Tevez, who previously played alongside both Messi and Ronaldo, intends to extend an invitation. He confidently stated, 'Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will be there,' adding, 'I'll go pick them myself if I have to. I have both of them on WhatsApp.'

Though Tevez retired from professional football in 2021, he has not yet held a celebratory fixture to commemorate his illustrious career, which saw him achieve significant triumphs with clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, and Boca Juniors. Reports from A Bola indicate that Juan Roman Riquelme has approved Tevez's request to stage his testimonial at Boca Juniors' iconic La Bombonera Stadium. Messi and Ronaldo are expected to headline the list of participating stars, which also includes football greats such as Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Andrea Pirlo, and Gianluigi Buffon.

Messi, who recently announced his retirement from international football with Argentina on Monday, played alongside Tevez for their national team from 2005 to 2015. Ronaldo and Tevez, alongside Wayne Rooney, formed a formidable attacking trio during Tevez's two-year tenure at Manchester United's Old Trafford, spanning from 2007 to 2009. During this period, they secured consecutive Premier League titles, the Champions League, the League Cup, and the Club World Cup.