While Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest rivalries in the world of football, Yamila Rodriguez has had to defend herself for having a tattoo of Ronaldo. Despite being an Argentina forward representing her country in the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup, Rodriguez has had to face the ire of Messi fans some of whom were not pleased with her choosing the Portugal superstar rather then her compatriot and a World Cup-winner with La Albiceleste as the subject of her tattoo.
The 25-year-old though also has also inked herself a bodyart of Argentina's other legend Diego Maradona who played a key role in the team's World Cup triumph prior to 2022- back in 1986. However, she has now defended her Ronaldo tattoo on her shin after receiving backlash on social media.
"Please stop, I'm not having a good time. At what point did I say that I'm anti-Messi?" the top-scorer in Copa America 2022 wrote on Instagram as corroborated by a Reuters report.
"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," she added.
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Rodriguez views having a tattoo of Ronaldo as completely acceptable since the ex-Manchester United star, known for scoring more than 800 career goals, has been a great inspiration to her. His impressive achievements and success has motivated her to commemorate him permanently in the form of a tattoo.
"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," she said.
Talking about Argentina's FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 campaign, the side hasn't got off to a great start after having succumbed to a defeat in their first match against Italy and managing a draw in their match against South Africa. They find themselves at the bottom of the four-team Group G with a solitary point from 2 matches.