Argentina forward Yamila Rodriguez defends Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo, despite criticism

Posted : 26 July 2023

Argentina forward Yamila Rodriguez has defended her decision to have a tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo on her leg, stating that it doesn't make her anti-Lionel Messi.

The 25-year-old received criticism on social media, with fans suggesting that the tattoo was disrespectful to Messi, who is a long-term rival of Ronaldo and widely considered one of the best players of their generation.
 
Taking to Instagram, Rodriguez responded to the criticism, saying, "At what point did I say that I'm anti-Messi? I'm not having a bad time because of you (fans) but for the atrocities that are said, without mercy."

She expressed her frustration at the unfounded accusations and clarified that having Ronaldo as her idol and inspiration doesn't mean she hates Messi.
 
Messi and Ronaldo have both been awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy multiple times, and their rivalry intensified during Messi's time at Barcelona and Ronaldo's stint at Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018.

Despite their competition on the field, Rodriguez urged fans to be more open-minded about players they admire and appreciate.
 
The Argentine forward, who also has a tattoo of the late Diego Maradona on her thigh, emphasized that football fans are not obligated to only love players from their own country.

She called for understanding and acceptance that individuals can have preferences and idols beyond their national teams without diminishing the talents of other players.
 
Rodriguez came off the bench in Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Italy in their Women's World Cup Group G opener. As they prepare to face South Africa on Friday, she hopes that the focus can be on the game and the sport they all love, rather than unwarranted controversies over personal choices.
 

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