Ronaldo being my idol does not mean I hate Messi: Argentina’s Yamila Rodriguez on having CR7 tattoo

By India Today Sports Desk: Argentina forward Yamila Rodriguez has found herself at the center of controversy after revealing her tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo on her left shin. The 25-year-old footballer, who also sports a tattoo of Argentine legend Diego Maradona on her left thigh, faced backlash on social media for apparently favouring Ronaldo over her nation’s World Cup-winning talisman, Lionel Messi.

However, in response to the criticism, Rodriguez took to Instagram to defend herself and clarify her position. She vehemently denied being anti-Messi and expressed her dismay at the relentless and merciless comments directed at her online. She appealed to fans to understand that having an idol or a player one admires does not mean hatred towards others, including Messi.

“Please stop, I’m not having a good time. At what point did I say that I’m anti-Messi?” Rodriguez wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

The Argentine forward defended her choice to ink Ronaldo’s likeness on her skin, explaining that the Portuguese star has been her inspiration and idol due to his incredible achievements, including scoring over 800 career goals. Rodriguez firmly stated that there should be no issue with admiring players from other countries, and everyone is entitled to their own preferences.

“What is the problem? We are not all obliged to only love the players of our country,” Rodriguez said. “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.”

Despite the negative attention surrounding her tattoo choice, Rodriguez remains focused on football. She recently featured as a substitute in Argentina’s narrow 0-1 defeat against Italy in their Women’s World Cup group opener. With the tournament ongoing, the forward is determined to concentrate on her performance and help her team achieve success.