• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho to reunite for star-studded Diego Maradona charity game

Home> Football

Updated 15:16 15 Oct 2022 GMT+1Published 15:13 15 Oct 2022 GMT+1

Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho to reunite for star-studded Diego Maradona charity game

Lionel Messi has confirmed his participation in the game, which is being put on Pope Francis' foundation WePlayForPeace.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho are set to reunite in one of the most star-studded charity games.

On 14 November, just four days before the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar, Rome's Stadio Olimpico will play host to the 'Match for Peace'.

Pope Francis' foundation 'WePlayForPeace'' are putting on the game, which serves as a tribute to the late Diego Maradona and a slew of superstar names have signed up.

Advert

Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Dani Alves, Angel Di Maria, Maxi Rodriguez, Gianluigi Buffon and Pepe Reina are all slated to be involved.

Jose Mourinho, current Roma manager, is also participating in some capacity, with Ronaldinho and Ciro Immobile captaining the two teams.

But the charity match has also been boosted with the presence of seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who has a special connection to Maradona and played alongside him in a rare outing.

Advert

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to be here with the Pope and all these great players," Messi said in his involvement.

"It is important that each of us joins this call for peace. We can change things together."

Image: Alamy
Image: Alamy

Messi has been struggling with a calf problem of late and watched PSG's 1-1 Champions League group stage draw with Benfica from the Parc des Princes stands on Tuesday.

Advert

With focus firmly on the World Cup, it is therefore unknown what exactly Messi's role will be in the charity match.

Messi's first ever goal for Barcelona was assisted by Ronaldinho, who played him through against Albacete with a delightfully scooped pass back in May 2005.

When Ronaldinho was moved on by the Blaugrana, Messi inherited the No.10 shirt that he has become synonymous with in his stunning career.

Image: Alamy
Image: Alamy

Advert

Messi and Ronaldinho did link up recently for Pepsi's new World Cup ‘Nutmeg Royale' advert, showing off their skills and teaming up with Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Alamy

Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Diego Maradona, Barcelona, Ronaldinho

Josh Lawless
Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and WWE. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has covered two WrestleMania events for SPORTbible.

X

@joshlawless_

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

3 hours ago
4 hours ago
5 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • GettyGetty
    3 hours ago

    Roy Keane Was Brutally Rejected By Only Player He Asked To Swap Shirts With

    Keane was swiftly turned down - and decided he would never ask another player again.

    Football
  • GettyGetty
    4 hours ago

    Ange Postecoglou Rejects Huge Offer as Premier League Return Stance Clear

    Postecoglou has rejected the chance to make a relatively swift return to football.

    Football
  • GettyGetty
    5 hours ago

    Cole Palmer's Cryptic Comment on Kobbie Mainoo Post Gets Fans Talking

    Palmer's response sparked wild debate.

    Football
  • GettyGetty
    6 hours ago

    Celtic Sacked Staff Member After Transfer List Leaked to Public

    Celtic commissioned a criminal probe into the leak.

    Football
  • What happened when Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona played on the same team for the one and only time in all-star charity match
  • Lionel Messi had zero doubts when naming his footballing idol and it's not Diego Maradona
  • Diego Maradona snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi when settling the GOAT debate
  • Lionel Messi didn't hesitate when naming his footballing idol and it's not Diego Maradona or Pele