Argentina forward Yamila Rodriguez has defended herself for having a tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that she has nothing against Lionel Messi.
The 25-year-old has been accused of being “anti-Messi” after photos revealed a tattoo of Ronaldo underneath former Argentine footballer Diego Maradona on her left leg.
Messi, 36, won the men’s World Cup with Argentina in Qatar last year, and has shared a rivalry with Ronaldo for more than a decade.
Rodriguez, who is currently competing at the Women’s World Cup, defended the tattoo by claiming that Ronaldo has been more of an inspiration to her.
In an Instagram post, she said: “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.
Rodriguez has a tattoo of Ronaldo underneath Maradona (Photo: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“I never said I’m anti-Messi and never would be. He is our captain of our national team – me saying that my inspiration…
