In a surprising turn of events, Argentine football star Yamila Rodriguez has made a bold statement by choosing Cristiano Ronaldo over her nation’s hero, Lionel Messi. The 25-year-old, known for her impressive skills on the field, has proudly displayed her admiration for the former Real Madrid star with a tattoo on her left shin during the Women’s World Cup. This unique tribute has captured the attention of fans and media alike, sparking discussions about her reasons for favoring Ronaldo and her remarkable journey to the World Cup.

 

Yamila Rodriguez’s tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo on her leg stands as a fascinating paradox, given the long-standing rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi for the title of the greatest player of the past two decades. However, Rodriguez has been vocal about her idolization of Ronaldo and has chosen to display her admiration permanently through the striking ink art. Her reasoning behind this preference highlights Ronaldo’s talent and the awe-inspiring impact he has had on her as a player and a fan.

 

While Rodriguez has opted for Ronaldo’s profile on her shin, she hasn’t forgotten her nation’s soccer legacy. Above the Ronaldo tattoo, she has immortalized the legendary Diego Maradona on her thigh. The design pays homage to Maradona’s unforgettable contributions to Argentine football, featuring his profile, signature, and three stars symbolizing Argentina’s men’s World Cup victories in 1978, 1986, and Messi’s triumph last year. This dual homage showcases Rodriguez’s appreciation for both the global icons of soccer and her country’s rich football heritage.

Rodriguez’s journey to the Women’s World Cup has been marked by impressive achievements on the field. Despite missing the roster for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, she persevered and had an unforgettable few years with Boca Juniors, ensuring her place in the current tournament held in Australia and New Zealand. Her accomplishments include becoming the first woman to score at La Bombonera, reaching the final of La Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors, and scoring in the Copa America. Her determination and skills have played a pivotal role in Argentina’s qualification for this year’s Women’s World Cup.

 

Argentina’s hopes for a historic victory at the Women’s World Cup took a hit with a 1-0 defeat to Italy in their opener at Eden Park. The late goal from Cristiana Girelli dampened their spirits, leaving them with the task of rallying and defeating South Africa to progress from the group stage for the first time in their history. Despite South Africa being ranked 26 places below Argentina according to FIFA, their impressive performance against Sweden demonstrated that they are a formidable opponent, and Rodriguez and her teammates face a tough challenge ahead.

Yamila Rodriguez’s bold choice to honor Cristiano Ronaldo with a tattoo has added a unique dimension to the Women’s World Cup. Her admiration for Ronaldo, coupled with her tribute to Diego Maradona, showcases her passion for the sport and her country’s soccer legacy. As the tournament unfolds, fans will eagerly watch Rodriguez and the Argentine team as they strive to achieve their first-ever victory at a Women’s World Cup, knowing that they have the support and admiration of an extraordinary football star with an inked tribute to two of the game’s greatest icons.