Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has been awarded a statue to celebrate his contribution during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Paris St. Germain star guided the Allbiceleste to world glory as they beat France in the final – as he has stepped out of Diego Maradona’s shadow.
The skillful forward will stand alongside those of his predecessor and Brazil’s great Pele at the South American federation’s museum.
Holding a replica of the World Cup trophy, Messi stood beside the life-size statue at an unveiling ceremony at the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) headquarters in Luque, Paraguay before the Copa Libertadores draw on Monday.
[TRENDING] Messi statue erected in honour of World Cup winnerhttps://t.co/A730LbGxYN— eNCA (@eNCA) March 28, 2023
The 35-year-old emulated the late legendary Maradona by leading his country to their first World Cup triumph in 36 years in Qatar in December.
“I had never dreamed or thought about this,” Messi said. “My dream was to enjoy what I liked when I was little, to be a professional soccer player, to do what I always loved in this life.
“I had a very long road, many decisions, and defeats, but I always looked ahead and wanted to go for a triumph, for a victory.
“I think that is the most important thing, to fight for your dreams, that everything is possible and to enjoy the game, which is the most beautiful thing there is.”
Argentina players and coach Lionel Scaloni also received miniature trophies of the World Cup and the Copa America, which they won in 2021.
It is reported that the Argentine Football Federation renamed the national team’s training facility after Messi on Saturday, two days after he scored his 800th career goal in a 2-0 friendly win over Panama.
Messi has netted 99 goals for his country and would become the first Argentina player to net 100 international goals if he scores in Tuesday’s friendly against Curacao.
Main Image: Lionel Messi/SuperSport
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