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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could renew one of football’s greatest rivalries when former Argentina international Carlos Tevez stages his testimonial match at Boca Juniors’ iconic La Bombonera in December.
Tevez is planning an emotional farewell event to formally celebrate his illustrious playing career, with Messi and Ronaldo among the high-profile figures expected to receive invitations, TyC Sports reported. Project reports
Tevez reportedly approached Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme about the testimonial proposal, with the club president agreeing to make La Bombonera available for the occasion.
Tevez has a star-studded farewell planned
While the exact date has yet to be confirmed, the testimony is expected to take place in December, with December 12 or 13 and December 19 or 20 being considered.
The former striker is said to be organizing a star-studded gathering involving around 60 former teammates, friends and football personalities from different stages of his career.
The proposed format could see a team made up of Tevez’s close friends and former teammates take on another team made up of international stars and players he met during his playing days.
Messi and Ronaldo are among the biggest names expected to be invited, raising the possibility of another reunion between two players whose rivalry has dominated world football for more than a decade.
From Boca to Manchester and Turin
Tevez has had an outstanding career which has seen him represent some of the biggest clubs in world football.
He made 279 appearances for Boca Juniors, scoring 94 goals and winning 11 trophies during his spells with the Argentine giants.
As well as Boca, the former striker played for Corinthians, West Ham United, Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus, also making 76 appearances for Argentina.
His time in England produced one of the most memorable chapters of his career, particularly his time in Manchester, where he played for both United and City.
He formally retired from professional football in 2022 following his latest spell with Boca Juniors.
Messi and Ronaldo meet again
The possibility of Messi and Ronaldo appearing in the same testimonial is expected to attract considerable attention, given the extraordinary rivalry between the two throughout their careers.
While Messi spent most of his European career with Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami, Ronaldo played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr.
Their rivalry, particularly during their years in La Liga, became one of football’s biggest storylines, with the two repeatedly competing for major individual honors and team trophies.
Tevez’s connection with both players also adds an interesting dimension to the proposed event. He shared the Manchester United dressing room with Ronaldo and played alongside Messi for Argentina.
A worthy return to La Bombonera
A testimonial at the Bombonera would be an opportunity for Tevez to close a chapter of his playing career in front of the fans who idolized him.
His most recent appearance at the stadium came in November 2025, when he returned as Talleres manager for a Torneo Clausura round of 16 match with Boca Juniors. Boca won the match 2-0.
The intended testimonial would therefore offer a very different return, with Tevez expected to be celebrated rather than competing with his former club.
If Messi and Ronaldo accept their invitations, the occasion could become even more significant, bringing together two of football’s greatest modern icons alongside one of Argentina’s most celebrated strikers.
For Tevez, however, the event should be about friendship, memories and the final celebration of a career that has taken him from Boca Juniors to the biggest stages of international football.
