Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could share the same team for the first time in their careers later this year, as former teammate Carlos Tevez is organizing a star-studded testimonial match.
Tevez, who has played with both global football icons, intends to invite them to his testimonial event scheduled for December. "Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will be there," Tevez stated. "I'll go pick them myself if I have to. I have both of them on WhatsApp."
The prospect of Messi and Ronaldo playing together comes after years of intense rivalry, notably during their time with Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. They were perennial contenders for the Ballon d'Or award, with one of them winning the honor for 10 consecutive years between 2008 and 2017.
With Messi currently playing for Inter Miami in the United States and Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, opportunities for them to become club teammates before retirement appear limited. However, Tevez's testimonial offers a potential chance for fans to see them on the same side.
Tevez, who retired from professional football in 2021, plans to host his testimonial at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera Stadium. He has received permission from Juan Roman Riquelme for the event, according to A Bola.
In addition to Messi and Ronaldo, Tevez is expected to invite other notable football figures, including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Andrea Pirlo, and Gianluigi Buffon, to participate.
Tevez and Messi were international teammates for Argentina between 2005 and 2015. Tevez also formed a formidable attacking trio with Ronaldo and Rooney at Manchester United from 2007 to 2009, a period during which they won multiple Premier League titles, the Champions League, and other club honors. Tevez's international career with Argentina included a Copa America runner-up finish in 2004, 2007, and 2015, as well as an Olympic gold medal in 2004.