Tevez Secures Messi for Boca Farewell Show, Ronaldo Still Pending
Former Boca icon Carlos Tevez plans a star‑filled send‑off at La Bombonera
Argentine legend Carlos Tevez, who announced his farewell to professional football earlier this year, is set to stage a celebratory match at Boca Juniors’ historic home ground on 20 December. The event, billed as a friendly between Boca and a squad assembled from Tevez’s closest footballing friends, will see a handful of global superstars lace up for what promises to be a memorable night.
Messi confirmed, Ronaldo undecided
During a recent appearance on former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Tevez revealed that Lionel Messi has accepted the invitation to take part in the exhibition. The Argentine maestro, who retired from international duty in 2023, will join the Boca side alongside club president Juan Román Riquelme, who will also step onto the pitch.
In contrast, Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo remains on the waiting list. Tevez has long expressed a desire to see the two icons share the field, but as of now the Manchester United and Al‑Nassr forward has not replied to the request.
Confirmed participants
Beyond Messi and Riquelme, a sizeable roster of former stars has been disclosed by Argentine outlet Infobae. The lineup includes a mix of South American legends and European veterans, reflecting Tevez’s wide network of contacts across the sport.
- Gabriel Batistuta
- Gianluigi Buffon
- Edwin van der Sar
- Sergio Aguero
- Arturo Vidal
- Patrice Evra
- Martín Palermo
- Pablo Zabaleta
- Esteban Cambiasso
- Nicolás Burdisso
- Sebastián Battaglia
Tevez has also hinted that the two teams could be guided by renowned coaches Roberto Mancini and Carlos Bianchi, though no official confirmation has been released.
Players yet to respond
The guest list still has several high‑profile names pending a reply. Among them are:
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Andrea Pirlo
- Ángel Di María
- Gonzalo Higuaín
- Daniele De Rossi
- Giorgio Chiellini
- Paul Pogba
- Paul Scholes
- Wayne Rooney
All of these former internationals have been approached, and their participation would further elevate the spectacle.
Beyond football – other attractions
The celebration is expected to extend beyond the pitch. Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto, a known Boca supporter, and former tennis champion Juan Martín Del Potro have been mentioned as possible guests. Organisers also plan musical performances to round out the evening, turning the match into a full‑scale entertainment event.
Why this farewell matters
Tevez’s bond with Boca Juniors runs deep. Over nine seasons, he netted 94 goals in 279 appearances and helped the club capture 11 trophies, including several league titles and a Copa Argentina. Although he officially hung up his boots in 2021, the Apache wishes to give the La Bombonera faithful one last chance to see him in the colours he loves.
By inviting a blend of Argentine legends, European greats, and even athletes from other sports, Tevez aims to craft a night that celebrates not only his own career but also the broader spirit of football camaraderie. Whether Ronaldo ultimately decides to join remains the biggest unanswered question, but the confirmed line‑up already guarantees a festive atmosphere for the club’s supporters.
What to expect
Fans can anticipate a relaxed yet competitive encounter, with Boca fielding a mixture of current players and invited guests, while the opposing side will be composed of Tevez’s hand‑picked friends. The match will serve as a tribute to a player who gave Boca much of his prime, and as a showcase of the global reach of the club’s fan base.
Tickets, broadcast details and any further updates on the coaching staff are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For now, the excitement builds as the date approaches, and the possibility of seeing Messi and possibly Ronaldo share the same grass at La Bombonera adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a historic farewell.
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