For nearly two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined football’s greatest rivalry, facing each other dozens of times without ever sharing a team. That could soon change, as former Manchester United and Argentina striker Carlos Tevez plans a farewell match at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera later this year, and he wants both icons on the same side.
Tevez Seeks Boca’s Backing for a December Match
According to reports, Tevez approached Boca Juniors president and former teammate Juan Román Riquelme about hosting the event, and the club has reportedly agreed in principle. Organizers are now working to schedule the match for December, avoiding conflicts with Boca’s regular fixtures. Roughly 60 former stars are expected to attend, spanning Tevez’s career across Argentina, England and Italy.
A Guest List Full of Football Legends
Tevez has already outlined a dream lineup that includes goalkeepers Edwin van der Sar and Gianluigi Buffon, defenders Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, plus longtime friend Patrice Evra. His midfield wishlist features Andrea Pirlo, Paul Scholes, Riquelme himself and Wayne Rooney.
Tevez, who played alongside Messi for Argentina and spent three seasons with Ronaldo at Old Trafford, says he remains in regular contact with both players and is confident he can convince them to attend, even suggesting he would personally travel to bring Ronaldo along.
Neither Messi, now at Inter Miami, nor Ronaldo, still at Al Nassr, has confirmed participation. The moment carries extra weight following Messi’s recent retirement from international football after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. If it happens, it would mark the first time the two greatest rivals of their generation line up on the same side.