Reuters
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Lionel Messi stepped out of Diego Maradona’s shadow by leading Argentina to World Cup victory last year and a statue of the small forward will stand alongside that of his predecessor and Brazilian great Pelé at the South American Federation’s museum .
Messi, sporting a replica of the World Cup trophy, stood next to the life-sized statue during an unveiling ceremony at the headquarters of the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) in Luque, Paraguay, ahead of Monday’s Copa Libertadores draw.
The 35-year-old followed the late Maradona in leading Argentina to their first World Cup win in 36 years in Qatar in December.
“I never dreamed or thought about this,” said Messi. “My dream was to enjoy what I loved when I was little, to become a professional football 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 win.
“I think that’s the most important thing, fighting for your dreams, that everything is possible and enjoying the game, that’s the best thing there is.”
The Argentine players and coach Lionel Scaloni also received miniature trophies from the World Cup and the Copa América, which they won in 2021.
The Argentine Football Association 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 scored 99 goals for his country and would become the first Argentine player to score 100 caps when he scores in Tuesday’s friendly against Curaçao.