Messi statue to stand with Maradona, Pele’s at CONMEBOL museum
Lionel Messi’s statue will stand alongside Diego Maradona’s and Brazil’s great Pele at the South American federation’s museum.
The diminutive forward had stepped out of Maradona’s shadow, leading Argentina to a World Cup victory last year.
Messi, holding a replica of the World Cup trophy, stood beside the life-size statue at an unveiling ceremony at the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) headquarters in Luque, Paraguay.
The event was held before the Copa Libertadores draw on Monday.
The 35-year-old emulated the late Maradona by leading Argentina 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 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 victory.”
He added, “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.”
The Argentina players and coach Lionel Scaloni also received miniature trophies of the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America, which they won in 2021.
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 scored 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.
(Reuters/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
China’s digital experience can drive BRICS economic transformation: Expert
He said China could contribute to BRICS’ digital transformation in three key areas: digital infrastructure, e-commerce platforms and innovation coordination.
World
Eight killed, 34 missing in China landslide
Chinese authorities said more than 1,000 residents were evacuated from the affected area.
Lagos
Lagos council chairman lauds community over voters’ awareness campaign
She said the committee’s efforts on registration, transfer, data correction and PVC validation support the administration’s drive to boost democratic participation in Ojokoro LCDA.
States
Uba Sani compensates residents over road projects
The governor inaugurated the distribution of cheques in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, on Friday.
Lagos
Disengaged soldier arraigned for allegedly stealing motorcycle
The magistrate adjourned the case until August 13 for mention.
