Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been named in plans for Carlos Tevez’s farewell match at Boca Juniors, with the exhibition due to be staged at La Bombonera in December.
Sports Illustrated reports that both icons could accept invitations from their former teammate, although their participation has not yet been confirmed.
A long-awaited La Bombonera farewell
Tevez retired from playing in 2022 without holding a formal farewell match at Boca, the boyhood club where he began and largely concluded his career.
The proposed game will celebrate his contribution to Boca, with Tevez intending to select a team featuring friends from his childhood and playing career.
Messi’s connection to the former Manchester United forward comes from their time together with Argentina. Ronaldo played alongside Tevez at United.
Messi and Ronaldo have not shared a pitch since 19 January 2023, when the Portuguese captained a Saudi Pro League All-Star side against Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain in an exhibition.
Two December weekends under consideration
The farewell could be played over the weekend of 12 and 13 December or the following weekend of 19 and 20 December.
Messi’s availability may depend on Inter Miami’s progress. The MLS Cup final is scheduled for 18 December, meaning a deep run would prevent him from travelling to Argentina for the proposed fixture.
Ronaldo cannot attend during the first weekend because Al Nassr are due to face Al Fateh on Sunday, 13 December.
That is Al Nassr’s final game before the Saudi winter break, potentially leaving Ronaldo free to take part during the second proposed weekend.
However, TuttoJuve carries a confident declaration from Tevez: “Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will be there. I’ll pick them up personally if necessary. I have both of their contacts on WhatsApp.”
Tevez’s United links shape the guest list
Tevez also represented Manchester City and Juventus during a career which ultimately brought him back to Boca.
He made 63 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists.
His time at Old Trafford is set to be heavily represented at the farewell. In addition to Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić and Paul Scholes have also been named among the prospective participants.
Whether Messi and Ronaldo would line up together or on opposing teams remains unclear. They spent the peak years of their careers on opposite sides of the Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry, so either arrangement would be a major attraction.
Firm confirmations and a final date are still awaited, but the proposed reunion gives United supporters an extra reason to follow preparations for Tevez’s La Bombonera send-off.
Final Thoughts
- Tevez’s farewell is planned for La Bombonera in December.
- Messi and Ronaldo have both been named as potential participants.
- Two December weekends are under consideration.
- Several former United players are also on the proposed guest list.
Featured image by Anthony Devlin via Getty Images
