Argentina star betrays Lionel Messi with CR7 gesture at Women’s World Cup

Argentine forward Yamila Rodriguez shocked football fans around the world, especially in her home nation, when she made clear her preference in the never-ending debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The 25-year-old, who plays for Brazilian club SE Palmeira, was pictured on the substitutes bench at Eden Park, during Argentina's World Cup opener against Italy, with tattoos of two football legends on her left thigh.

A glorious tattoo of the legendary Diego Maradona who lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 can be expected, being a mythical figure in the country, even after passing. However, the second tattoo, of Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo raised eyebrows.

It is very rare to see an Argentine pick Ronaldo over Messi but Yamila's decision to tattoo a picture of the Portuguese on her thigh has caused a storm on social media.

Last year, during an interview on ESPN Vivo, former Boca Juniors forward Rodriguez stressed she would always prefer the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker to Messi. “My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo,” she said.

Argentina lost 1-0 to Italy in their opening match of the ongoing Women's World Cup but will hope to bounce back against South Africa on Friday.