Lionel Messi has been immortalized by Argentina as they renamed their training facility after him following his World Cup victory in Qatar last year.
The training ground, formerly known as Casa de Ezeiza, has now been renamed Lionel Andres Messi as an honor to the seven time Ballon d’Or winner. He unveiled a plague outside the facility on Saturday.
Claudio Tapia, the President of AFA, announced the change of name with a tweet and a caption calling Lionel Messi “the best player in the world.”
He also thanked the staff for being with them in a successful period for the national side as they made history together.
Prior to Lionel Messi-led Argentina World Cup triumph in Qatar last December, Argentina had also won the Copa America in 2021.
Argentina captain, Messi was awarded the golden ball and silver boot in Qatar after a massive performance in the tournament.
Messi’s idol Maradona was also given same honor by Napoli as they renamed their stadium after him.
Lionel Messi has had an awesome international break aside from the honor of the Argentina national team training facility being named after him.
He recently bagged his 800th career goal after he scored a free kick against Panama in his first international appearance since winning the World Cup.
The game kicked off with a huge reception for the current Champions as fans filled up the Estadio Monumental to the brim.
Thiago Almada also scored his first International goal for Argentina as he has been in red-hot form in the MLS this season.
Lionel Messi scored the second goal to cap off the win and later on addressed fans amid a lively atmosphere in the Argentine capital.
“I want to thank you for all the love we have been receiving, not only for being world champions but also for the Copa America beforehand. We had said that we were going to do everything possible for this,” he started.
“I always dreamed of this moment, celebrating with you,’ an emotional Messi said after the match, standing with his family on the pitch.”
Messi will be counted amongst players to have reached 100 goals for their country if he scores one goal in Tuesday’s friendly match against Curacao.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on 24th June 1987. He is a professional footballer playing for PSG and Argentina national team.
Messi is globally regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He has won the Ballon d’Or 7 times, and a record six European Golden Shoe.
With his country, Lionel Messi won the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a glorious one to watch as both team tied at 3-3 even after extra time.
Messi scored the first goal in the shootout before Argentina won 4-2 on penalties, ending the country’s 36-year wait for the trophy.
