You’ve probably seen Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play in the same match. And you’ve likely seen Wayne Rooney and Juan Román Riquelme play together as well. But seeing Messi, Ronaldo, Riquelme, and Rooney all in one match together? That’s something you haven’t witnessed yet. This unforgettable moment might just become a reality, thanks to Carlos Tévez.
The Argentine forward, who retired from professional football in 2022, is now eager to play a farewell match after three years away from the game. And for this farewell, he aims to bring together some of the star players he’s shared the field with.
Tévez, who has played for clubs like Manchester United and Juventus, hung up his boots while playing for Boca Juniors. Now, he wants to host his farewell match at Boca’s iconic La Bombonera stadium. In a recent interview on the streaming platform Olga, Tévez said, “I’ll organize a farewell match. Now, I just need to figure out when to do it because finding the time isn’t easy.”
Since retiring, Tévez has coached clubs like Rosario Central and Independiente, but at the moment, he is not with any team. His challenge now is to find time for his farewell match, especially since he wants to bring some high-profile players. Tévez is determined to have both Messi and Ronaldo at his farewell, saying, “I’ll bring Leo Messi, Cristiano… I’ll personally reach out to them. I have their numbers saved on WhatsApp.”
Tévez has played alongside Messi for the Argentina national team and with Ronaldo at Manchester United. During his two seasons at United, Tévez won two Premier League titles, a Champions League title, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Tévez also wants to have his former teammates, like Wayne Rooney and others from his Juventus days (2013–2015), join him on the field. He mentioned, “(Edwin) van der Sar will play on one side, (Gianluigi) Buffon on the other. In defense, we could have Rio Ferdinand, (Nemanja) Vidić, (Giorgio) Chiellini, and (Leonardo) Bonucci. My brother will be there. In midfield, (Andrea) Pirlo, Paul Scholes, and Roman (Riquelme) will definitely be there. (Wayne) Rooney too.”
While most of the players Tévez mentioned are no longer active, the main challenge now lies in coordinating the schedules of the two biggest stars—Messi and Ronaldo. Messi is currently busy with Inter Miami in the United States, while Ronaldo is focused on his role at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr.
The two football legends, who have won a combined 13 Ballon d’Ors, last played in the same match in 2023 during the PSG-Saudi All-Star exhibition game, though it wasn’t a competitive match. Messi and Ronaldo have faced each other in official matches 36 times to date.
The chances of seeing them play against each other in another competitive game seem slim for now. But, thanks to Tévez, there might just be a chance to witness these two greats meet on the pitch again in an exhibition match!
