- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will play as teammates for the first time in Carlos Tevez’s farewell match
- The match is scheduled for December 2026 at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires
- Tevez played 80 games with Ronaldo at Manchester United and shared the pitch 47 times with Messi for Argentina
A Historic Pairing Planned For Buenos Aires
Carlos Tevez has confirmed that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have agreed to line up on the same side in his farewell match, which is scheduled to take place at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires in December 2026.
The occasion would bring together two of football’s defining modern figures in a way supporters have never previously seen at club or international level. Messi and Ronaldo spent much of their careers as rivals, but Tevez says both have accepted his invitation to play together for the first time.
🚨 Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both been invited to play in Carlos Tevez’s farewell match at La Bombonera this December. ❤️
If they accept, Messi and Ronaldo could play on the SAME TEAM for the first time in their careers. 😍🇦🇷🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/sFIOnG9x8z
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) September 6, 2026
Tevez’s Dream For His Farewell Match
Tevez, a Boca Juniors legend, explained that bringing the two global icons together in the same team had long been a personal ambition, and he approached both players with the idea ahead of the planned event.
“I have always dreamed of seeing Cristiano and Leo playing in one team. They are the greatest players of all time. I got in touch with them, especially Cristiano. I told him: Cristiano, I want you and Messi in the same team in my farewell match. So that the whole world can witness this magic once and for all,” Tevez said in televised remarks.
He added, “He said he would be there. Convincing Leo was not difficult either. They both agreed, I am very excited. This match will be very moving.”
Career Links Behind The Invitation
Tevez has strong footballing ties with both players. He made 80 appearances alongside Ronaldo during their time at Manchester United, while he shared the pitch with Messi 47 times for Argentina. Those relationships place Tevez in the unusual position of having played extensively with both men during their careers.
La Bombonera To Host A Major Football Occasion
The match is set to be staged at La Bombonera, the home of Boca Juniors and the club where Tevez both started and ended his playing career. Returning to the stadium for his farewell adds another layer of significance to an event already likely to attract attention well beyond Argentina.
Tevez is also planning to bring together a number of players he crossed paths with during his career. If the event goes ahead as planned, however, the prospect of Messi and Ronaldo finally appearing on the same side is likely to provide its defining moment.
| Player | Tevez Connection | Shared Matches | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Club teammate | 80 games | Manchester United |
| Lionel Messi | International teammate | 47 times | Argentina national team |
