The football world is abuzz with the tantalising prospect of seeing two of its greatest ever players, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, finally share a pitch as teammates.
Argentine icon Carlos Tevez, 42, is planning a star-studded farewell match at Boca Juniors’ legendary La Bombonera, with both superstars at the top of his esteemed invitation list. The eagerly anticipated event, which has received the green light from Boca president and Tevez’s former teammate Juan Román Riquelme, is slated for December 2026.
A Dream Reunion at La Bombonera
According to reports from Argentinian outlet TyC Sports, Tevez aims to bring together an incredible roster of talent for his official send-off. The former Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus forward, who retired from professional football in June 2022, is reportedly in discussions to host the match on either the weekend of December 12-13 or December 19-20. The exact date, however, remains unconfirmed, pending Boca Juniors’ domestic schedule.
Sources suggest Tevez has extended formal invitations to around 60 former and current stars he has played alongside throughout his illustrious career. The inclusion of Messi, 39, and Ronaldo, 41, on the same team would be a monumental occasion, marking a historic moment for fans who have primarily witnessed the duo as fierce rivals.
The Guest List and Match Format
While Messi and Ronaldo headline the potential attendees, Tevez’s guest list is reportedly overflowing with football royalty. Among those expected to be invited are several former teammates from his spells in Europe and with the Argentina national team. Names such as Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Andrea Pirlo, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Edwin van der Sar, and Patrice Evra are reportedly on the extensive roster of invitees.
Tevez plans to assemble two distinct teams for the celebratory fixture. One side is expected to feature his childhood friends and close companions from his career, while the opposing team will consist of former teammates from clubs like Boca Juniors, Corinthians, West Ham United, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, and the Argentine national team.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: A Rare Teammate Appearance
Messi and Ronaldo, who have dominated global football for nearly two decades, have rarely been seen on the same side. Their last appearance together on a pitch, albeit in opposing colours, was in January 2023 during an exhibition friendly in Saudi Arabia, where Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain defeated a Riyadh All-Star XI (featuring Ronaldo) in a thrilling 5-4 encounter. Messi scored once in that match, while Ronaldo netted twice.
The prospect of these two living legends donning the same jersey for a shared cause adds an unprecedented layer of excitement to what is already set to be a memorable farewell for “El Apache” at the spiritual home of Boca Juniors.
With the final date for this unprecedented gathering yet to be locked in, fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting further announcements. The Tevez testimonial promises to be a night of nostalgia, celebration, and perhaps, the most anticipated on-field collaboration in modern football history.