Carlos Tevez will stage his farewell match at La Bombonera on December 20, 2026, bringing together Lionel Messi and Juan Román Riquelme for an exhibition celebrating his career, as reported by tn.com.ar. The event, officially titled “De alcanzapelotas a leyenda,” marks the formal on-field send-off for the former Boca Juniors and Argentina forward, who retired from professional play in June 2022 at age 38.
Confirmed Stars and International Guests for December 20
Tevez confirmed during an interview with former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand that both Messi and Riquelme will take the pitch for his tribute match. The guest list also includes former Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Additional international figures slated for invitations include Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal, French defender Patrice Evra, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes, according to tn.com.ar.
Infobae reported that former Italy manager Roberto Mancini is lined up to coach the “Rest of the World” or “Friends of Tevez” squad, which will face a team of Boca Juniors legends expected to be managed by Carlos Bianchi. ESPN holds the official broadcast rights for the December fixture.
The Scheduling Situation for Cristiano Ronaldo
The status of Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most anticipated elements of the event. Tevez previously stated on the Olga streaming platform regarding the Portuguese forward’s attendance, A Cristiano lo voy a buscar yo.
According to Infobae, Ronaldo’s schedule with Saudi club Al Nassr concludes on December 14, 2026, ahead of the Asian Champions League resumption in February 2027, leaving an opening in his calendar to travel to Buenos Aires despite ongoing complications with his national team.
Meanwhile, Messi’s participation depends on his club schedule with Inter Miami, with the MLS Cup final scheduled for December 18, 2026. The two forwards shared a dressing room with the Argentina national team from Messi’s 2005 debut through Gerardo Martino’s tenure following the 2014 World Cup, though they never previously played on the exact same club side.
Club Support and Riquelme on the Bombonera Pitch
Boca Juniors president Juan Román Riquelme addressed the planning during an appearance on Azz Streaming, noting that Tevez initiated the contact. If nothing changes, Tévez’s farewell at the Bombonera will be December 20,
Riquelme said, adding that the club will open the stadium as if for an official match and cover all operational costs. Regarding whether he will play, Riquelme expressed hesitation due to his physical condition, stating, I can’t move myself, do you know how long it’s been since I played ball?
Olé reported that Riquelme emphasized his desire for Tevez and his family to enjoy an unforgettable day at the club where the forward scored 94 goals and won 11 titles, including the 2003 Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup.
Local Icons and Argentine World Cup Figures
While official rosters remain fluid, tn.com.ar noted that several prominent figures from Boca Juniors and the Albiceleste are anticipated to join the celebration. Potential participants include Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Martín Palermo, Marcelo Delgado, Roberto Abbondanzieri, Gonzalo Higuaín, Javier Mascherano, Gabriel Heinze, Ángel Di María, Kily González, Maximiliano Rodríguez, and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Non-football figures such as tennis player Juan Martín del Potro and driver Franco Colapinto have also been mentioned as possible participants.
Infobae added that the organization is planning live musical performances featuring artists such as La Mona Jiménez, Pablo Lescano, and Ulises Bueno.
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