Argentina player’s Ronaldo tattoo draws ire of Messi fans

July 26, 2023

Argentina forward Yamila Rodríguez has a Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo on her left shin.

As in, not one of fellow Argentinean Lionel Messi – but instead his longtime professional rival.

And Rodriguez has received tons of backlash for it during the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer.

“Please stop, I’m not having a good time. At what point did I say that I’m anti-Messi?” she wrote on Instagram.

“I’m not having a bad time because of you (fans) but for the atrocities that are said, without mercy. Can’t you have an idol or a player you like?

“Messi is our great captain in the national team but the fact that I say that my inspiration and my idol is CR7 (Ronaldo) does not mean that I hate Messi.”

Yamila Rodriguez of Argentina reacts during their FIFA Women's World Cup match against Italy on July 24. — Yamila Rodriguez of Argentina reacts during their FIFA Women’s World Cup match against Italy on July 24.

Yamila Rodriguez has a tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo on her left shin, which has drawn ire on social media.

In the comments of virtually each of Rodriguez’s Instagram posts there are GIFs of Messi and commenters harassing Rodriguez over her Ronaldo tattoo.

“What is the problem? We are not all obliged to only love the players of our country,” she added. “Please understand that this is football and everyone has appreciation, their preferences and highlighting one does not mean burying the other. Enough, it tires me, it hurts me.”

Rodriguez subbed into Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Italy in the 77th minute of its World Cup opening contest July 24.

Argentina continues group play against South Africa at 8 p.m. ET Thursday.