Lionel Messi Agrees to Play with Ronaldo in Tevez Farewell

Lionel Messi has agreed to play on the same team as his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in a special farewell match for Carlos Tevez. This historic moment headlines a busy period for the Argentine legend, who is also expanding his football ownership in Spain and has been nominated for yet another major individual award.

Messi and Ronaldo to unite for Tevez farewell

Carlos Tevez confirmed on September 7 that both Messi and Ronaldo have accepted his invitation to play together in his official career farewell match. The 42 year old Tevez, who retired in 2022, said he had always dreamed of seeing the two icons share a pitch. "I told him: Cristiano, I want you and Messi in the same team in my farewell match," Tevez explained. "He said he would be there. Convincing Leo was not difficult either." The match is scheduled for La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. Messi, 39, recently retired from international duty with Argentina, while the 41 year old Ronaldo continues to play for Al-Nassr and Portugal. Both are approaching the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals, with Ronaldo needing just 22 more and Messi requiring 73.

Messi set to become sole owner of CD Eldense

Messi is close to finalizing a deal to purchase the entirety of Spanish club CD Eldense. The agreement with the current owner, the Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group, is pending due diligence and approval from Spain's High Council for Sports. If completed, Messi will become the sole owner of the Alicante-based club without any partners. Elda's mayor, Ruben Alfaro, confirmed an agreement in principle exists. This follows Messi's purchase of a stake in UE Cornellà, a fifth-division Catalan club, in April 2026. The move signals his continued investment in Spanish football, particularly in youth development. CD Eldense's Estadio Municipal Nuevo Pepico Amat holds about 5,800 spectators, and the club's profile is expected to grow significantly under Messi's ownership.

Messi earns 17th Ballon d'Or nomination

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has received his 17th nomination for the prestigious award. His nomination comes after he helped inspire Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost to Spain. Messi scored eight goals during the tournament, a tally bettered only by Kylian Mbappé's 10. His eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, did not make the shortlist this year. The list is dominated by players from Paris Saint-Germain, which won the last two Champions League titles. Ten current PSG players are nominated, including Fabian Ruiz, the only player to win both the Champions League and the World Cup in 2026. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham also earned a nomination after scoring seven World Cup goals for England.

Bellingham taunts Romero over Messi dependency

A recent on-field clash brought Messi's influence back into focus. During the Madrid derby on September 20, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Atlético Madrid's Cristian Romero reignited a feud from the 2026 World Cup semi-final. Bellingham allegedly mocked the Argentine defender, saying, "When you’re with Messi, you talk a lot. But here, nothing." He also called Romero a "coward." Romero retorted by calling Bellingham a "cry baby" and referenced the Englishman's emotional reaction after England's World Cup defeat. Atlético Madrid won the ill-tempered match 2-1.

• Messi and Ronaldo will play together for the first time in Carlos Tevez's farewell match at La Bombonera.
• Messi is in the process of buying Spanish third-tier club CD Eldense, following his investment in UE Cornellà.
• The Argentine legend has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or for the 17th time in his career.
• A recent club match saw Jude Bellingham taunt an opponent by citing their reliance on Messi at international level.