Lionel Messi emerged from Diego Maradona’s shadow by leading Argentina to World Cup victory last year, and a statue of the diminutive forward will stand alongside those of his predecessor and Brazilian legend Pele at the South American federation’s museum.
Lionel Messi stood beside the life-size statue, holding a replica of the World Cup trophy, at an unveiling ceremony at the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) headquarters in Luque, Paraguay, ahead of the Copa Libertadores draw on Monday.
In December, the 35-year-old followed in the footsteps of the late Diego Maradona by leading Argentina to their first World Cup victory in 36 years in Qatar.
Messi stated, “I had never thought or even dared to dream about this.” “My dream was to play soccer professionally and live out my lifelong passions, including the things I enjoyed doing when I was younger.
“I had a very difficult journey ahead of me, filled with many choices and setbacks, but I never lost sight of the goal; I always wanted to strive for victory.
I believe that pursuing your goals, believing that anything is possible, and taking pleasure in the game—which is the most lovely thing there is—are the two things that are most crucial.
In addition to receiving miniature versions of the World Cup and Copa America trophies that Argentina won in 2021, the team members and coach Lionel Scaloni also received them.
On Saturday, the Argentine Football Federation renamed the national team’s practice facility after Messi, two days after he scored his 800th career goal in a 2-0 friendly victory over Panama.
If he scores in Tuesday’s friendly match against Curacao, Messi, who has 99 goals for Argentina, will become the first player to reach the century mark for his nation.
