Messi and Ronaldo among stars invited to Tevez’s planned Boca farewell

A historic reunion between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could take place at Carlos Tevez’s retirement match in December, with the former Argentina striker hoping to bring the two global stars together in a Boca Juniors team.

According to TNT Sports, Tevez has held several meetings with Boca Juniors officials to discuss the organisation of the event. The former Argentina international is understood to be planning to invite both Messi and Ronaldo to play in the match, which would be staged as a tribute to his career.

Tevez is also expected to contact around 60 players who shared a dressing room with him during his time at clubs including West Ham, Manchester City, Manchester United, Juventus and Boca Juniors. Former team-mates from Argentina’s national side are also likely to be included among the invitations.

Should Messi and Ronaldo both accept, the occasion would bring together two players who dominated an entire generation of football. The pair have been regarded as the defining figures of the modern era, although they have never played alongside one another for the same club or representative team.

Tevez, nicknamed “El Apache”, ended his professional playing career in June 2022. He had spent a brief period playing in China before returning to Boca Juniors, where he closed out his career.

Across his playing career, Tevez won 11 trophies, scored 94 goals and made 279 appearances. His honours included achievements with the clubs he represented in England, Italy and Argentina, as well as with the national team.

Since retiring as a player, Tevez has remained involved in football through management. He has coached Rosario Central, Independiente and Talleres Cordoba, taking on a new role in the game after his lengthy career on the pitch.

The initial plans are for La Bombonera to open its doors for the farewell match over the weekend of 12-13 December. If that date cannot be used, organisers are considering 18-19 December instead.

The timing is designed to avoid a clash with the conclusion of the Argentine Primera Division. Boca Juniors could have league fixtures scheduled on those dates, which would make it impossible to allocate the stadium and surrounding arrangements for Tevez’s farewell match.

The final date and full list of participants have not yet been confirmed. However, the possibility of Messi and Ronaldo appearing together in Boca Juniors colours would make Tevez’s farewell one of the most significant football events in Argentina.