Argentina forward Yamila Rodriguez has clarified the meaning behind her Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo, emphasizing that it doesn’t reflect any animosity towards Lionel Messi.
The player has various tattoos, including ones of Portugal’s Ronaldo and Argentina’s World Cup-winning legend Diego Maradona on her left leg.
As we know, Messi and Ronaldo have had a historic rivalry during their time in La Liga when Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid.
Some had accused Rodriguez of being anti-Messi because of her Ronaldo tattoo.
However, she explains that the tattoo of the current Al-Nassr star was simply an inspiration to her, and it doesn’t imply any negative feelings towards her compatriot, Messi.
She wrote on Instagram: “Please, enough. I’m not doing well. In what moment did I say I was anti-Messi? Stop saying things that I didn’t say, because the truth is I’m not doing well (in the middle of a World Cup where I’m representing my country.)
“I’m not doing poorly because of you guys, but because of the awful things you’re saying, without respect. One can’t have an idol, or a player that they like? Please.
“I never said I’m anti-Messi and never would be. He is our captain of our national team – me saying that my inspiration and idol is CR7 (Ronaldo) doesn’t mean that I hate Messi.
” Just to me (we can all like different things) I like the other player better, the one that inspired me.
“What’s the problem? We’re not all obligated to love the players from our own country. Please understand that this is football and everyone has their own preferences and that lifting one player up doesn’t mean burying the other.”
Rodriguez came off the bench as Argentina lost their opening game of the Women’s World Cup against Italy, going down 1-0. She plays her club football for SE Palmeiras in Brazil.
Argentina are next in action on Friday, against South Africa.