Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have spent almost two decades on opposite sides of football's biggest rivalry. They have faced each other 37 times, collected 13 Ballon d'Ors between them and spent years being measured against one another. Now, there is a chance the two could finally share a team. Messi and Ronaldo have both been invited to take part in Carlos Tevez's farewell match, with the former Argentina and Manchester United striker planning a spectacular gathering of his old teammates and friends at Boca Juniors' iconic La Bombonera later this year.
Tevez wants Messi and Ronaldo on the same team
Tevez retired in 2021 after his third spell with Boca, the club where he began his career, but five years on he is preparing one final celebration of his football life. According to TyC Sports' Marcelo Palacios, Tevez approached his former teammate Juan Román Riquelme, now Boca's president, about staging the game at La Bombonera. Riquelme has given the plan the green light, with officials now working on a date in December that does not clash with Boca's schedule. And Tevez has made no secret of the biggest names he wants involved. Around 60 star players are expected to attend the match, with Messi and Ronaldo naturally among the most sought-after guests. Tevez played alongside Messi for Argentina and spent three seasons with Ronaldo at Manchester United, with both players leaving Old Trafford in the same summer. The Argentine has remained in contact with both superstars and believes he can persuade them to take part. In an interview on streaming platform Olga, Tevez was asked whether Messi and Ronaldo could end up on opposite sides. “We'll get them together,” he replied. Tevez also said he still speaks to both players on WhatsApp. When asked how he planned to persuade Ronaldo to make the trip, his answer was characteristically direct: “I'll go get him myself.” It would be an extraordinary sight at La Bombonera if he succeeds. Messi, now with Inter Miami, and Ronaldo, still playing for Al Nassr, have spent their careers being compared rather than combined. Their rivalry defined an era of football, particularly during their years at Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the two have never played alongside one another at club or international level. Messi, however, officially closed the door on his international career, announcing on August 31, 2026, that he has immediately retired from the Argentina national team following their 1–0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. That makes the possibility of a shared appearance with Ronaldo, even in a testimonial, feel more significant. Tevez is now attempting to change that for one night. And his guest list does not stop there.
Tevez has an extraordinary guest list in mind
The 41-year-old has already discussed a starting XI packed with players from different chapters of his career. For the goalkeepers, he wants two of the game's most decorated names: Edwin van der Sar and Gianluigi Buffon. At centre-back, his proposed group includes former Manchester United teammates Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, alongside Italian defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. Tevez also has a place reserved for Patrice Evra, whom he affectionately described as his “brother”. “(Edwin) Van der Sar on one side and (Gianluigi) Buffon on the other,” Tevez said. “At centre back, we’ll probably have Rio Ferdinand, (Nemanja) Vidic… we’ll bring in (Giorgio) Chiellini, (Leonardo) Bonucci. Patrice Evra, my brother, he has to be there.” The midfield would be no less familiar to football fans, with Andrea Pirlo, Paul Scholes and Riquelme among those Tevez hopes to bring together. “Midfielders… (Andrea) Pirlo, Paul Scholes, Roman (Riquelme) will definitely be there. Rooney.”
That list includes teammates from Tevez's time in England, Italy and Argentina, as well as some of the greatest opponents he encountered during his career. But even among a collection of Champions League winners, World Cup winners and international legends, there would be one sight that towers above the rest.
Messi and Ronaldo standing on the same side of the pitch. It remains dependent on their availability, and neither has been confirmed for the game. But Tevez has already been clear about what he wants. After years of football history being written with Messi and Ronaldo separated by shirts, countries and rival clubs, the man who shared a dressing room with both is hoping to put them in the same one at La Bombonera — even if only for an afternoon.
