Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi set to share a team in Carlos Tevez farewell match

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could play in the same team when Carlos Tevez stages his farewell match at La Bombonera next December.

The former Manchester United forward has named both football icons among the players expected to take part in his jubilee, with Tevez saying he wants Ronaldo and Messi to appear together for the occasion.

Tevez has played alongside both stars during his career – Ronaldo at club level and Messi with Argentina – and is now hoping to bring them together on the same side for what he has described as his “farewell match”.

If the plans go ahead, the game would offer supporters the rare prospect of seeing two of the defining players of recent decades wearing the same shirt. Ronaldo and Messi have spent much of their careers as rivals in the public imagination, making their proposed appearance together a particularly significant moment for football fans.

Tevez said he had personally approached Ronaldo and Messi and received agreement from both players.

“I have always dreamed of seeing Cristiano and Leo play in the same team. They are the two greatest players of all time. I contacted them, especially Cristiano. I told him: ‘Cristiano, I want you and Leo to be in the same team for my farewell match. So that the whole world can admire this magic once and for all.’ He said he would be there. Convincing Leo was not difficult either. They both gave me their agreement. I cannot wait. This match will be full of emotion,” Tevez said, according to comments reported by Foot Mercato in a post on his X account.

The proposed fixture is due to be held at La Bombonera, where Tevez will mark the end of his playing career with a jubilee match. The occasion is expected to bring together a number of names from his time in football, although Ronaldo and Messi are the headline attractions announced so far.

Tevez’s relationship with the two players gives the planned reunion an added personal significance. He shared a dressing room with Ronaldo during his time at Manchester United, while his Argentina career brought him into the national team with Messi.

Their inclusion would fulfil Tevez’s stated ambition of seeing the pair operate together rather than on opposing sides. It would also give supporters the chance to watch two of the most celebrated players of their generation combine in the same team, even if only for a farewell occasion.

Both players have reportedly agreed to take part, but the match itself is still scheduled for next December. For now, the prospect of Ronaldo and Messi wearing the same colours remains the central attraction of Tevez’s planned farewell at La Bombonera.