Lionel Messi of PSG was honored with a statue as part of CONMEBOL’s way of celebrating the Argentina World Cup triumph.
The Former Barcelona player was given a ceremonial baton as part of a declaration by CONMEBOL’s chief Alejandro Dominguez who asserted that Messi is the greatest of all time.
Lionel Messi’s face lit up after he was presented replicas of the three trophies he has for Argentina – the Copa America, the Finalissima, and the World Cup.
South American football organization’s president’s remembrance of the 35-year-old’s exploits took an unexpected turn as a large box turned up on stage.
An ornate sceptre was taken out of the large box and handed to Messi by Dominguez.
Before giving it to Messi, Dominguez said: “On behalf of South American football, and football from around the world, today we give to you leadership and command of world football.”
The Argentina captain received the said baton with certain interest. He admired it with excitement while he received applauds from his teammates.
That was not all, here comes the most interesting part of the evening that lit up the face of the Argentine with astonishment and excitement. Messi received life-sized statue which will stand in CONMEBOL’s museum in Paraguay alongside fellow South American great stars such as Diego Maradona and Pele.
Messi was not the only one that received an award that night, his teammates were awarded ‘Night of the Stars’, as CONMEBOL gave out replica trophies, individual recognitions, and minatures of Messi’s commemorative statue.
Lionel Messi did however state that there was only one trophy he wanted the most.
“I am fulfilled by this,” he said, as he caressed his World Cup trophy on stage.
“It was what I was missing. Thank God I can achieve everything in football.”
“[And] thanks to all my team-mates for these beautiful gifts they gave me.”
Dominguez had a final note for the player, while handing the trophies that Messi won to him and the national team.
‘The one thing you lack is the [Copa] Libertadores,’ the president confirmed.
The Copa Libertadores is the most biggest trophy in South American club football, and Messi has not been in contention for the trophy since he started playing for Argentinian club Newell’s Old Boys in 2000.
With Messi yet to sign a contract extension at PSG, it is looking like Messi will finish his career in his home country.
However, some big clubs seems to be vying for the signature of the Argentina including clubs like; MLS’ Inter-Miami, Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, and his former club, Barcelona.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on 24th June 1987. He is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentina national team.
Leo is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Messi has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards and a record six European Golden Shoes.
At club level, he has won a record 34 trophies in both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
With his country, Messi won the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
A prolific goalscorer and creative playmaker, Messi holds the records for most goals in La Liga (474), most hat-tricks in La Liga (36) and the UEFA Champions League (eight), and most assists in La Liga (192) and the Copa América (17).
He also has the most international goals by a South American male (99). Messi has scored over 800 senior career goals for club and country, and has the most goals by a player for a single club (672).
