Argentina star snubs Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo, classic gesture for Portugal legend go viral

Argentina legend Lionel Messi is one of the biggest footballing icons and his spectacular freekick during Inter Miami debut is one of the many examples why he is regarded as the best in business. While he enjoys a huge fanfare across the globe, it is hard to imagine an Argentine choose someone else over Messi.

However, Yamila Rodriguez, an Argentina forward, currently engaged in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, thinks otherwise. In a viral photo doing rounds on social media her left leg is inked with Argentina legend Diego Maradona and Messi’s biggest contemporary Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi played a key role in leading Argentina to a World Cup triumph in Qatar last year, but Rodriguez is more inclined towards the Portuguese.

The tattoos of Ronaldo and Maradona are one of many Rodriguez dons.

Ronaldo and Messi share a great rivalry, with both the players formerly representing arch rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

After spending nine seasons in Spain’s capital, Ronaldo moved back to his boyhood club Manchester United. Ronaldo’s relation with United got bitter following his explosive interview with British journalist Piers Morgan right before the men’s World Cup. He then moved to Saudi Arabia, where he plays for Al-Nassr, following many have taken the same route.

Messi, who is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, is currently with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Miami after spending two years with Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi has scored over 100 international goals, including two against France at the 2022 World Cup final, a match Argentina won on penalties.

Apart from the World Cup and the Ballon d’Or’s, Messi played a huge role in helping his boyhood club Barcelona, where he spent 17 successful years, win 35 titles (4 Champions Leagues, 10 Spanish leagues and 7 Copa del Reys).

Argentina kick-off World Cup on a disappointing note

Meanwhile, Argentina kicked-off the World Cup on a slow note and lost 0-1 against Italy in the opener. Cristiana Girelli, who was introduced as a substitute, scored the winner in the 83rd minute.

With the defeat Argentina are now placed at the bottom of the table and they will look to open their account against South Africa, whom they meet on Friday in Dunedin.

Italy on the other hand will face Sweden on Saturday in Wellington.

Rodriguez came as a substitute in the clash against Italy.