Lionel Messi has been honored by the South American Football Confederation, or CONMEBOL, with a statue and a leadership and control of football baton.
Argentina defeated the defending champions France 4-2 on penalties in Qatar, and the PSG superstar gave Argentina the inspiration they needed to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In the CONMEBOL museum, Messi’s statue will be displayed alongside those of legendary athletes Pele and Diego Maradona.
In a ceremony prior to the Copa Libertadores draw, Messi was also given replicas of the World Cup and the Finalissima trophy, which Argentina won after defeating Italy.
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Along with receiving miniature awards, Messi’s Argentina teammates and head coach Lionel Scaloni also received the 2021 Copa America.
“We are living a very special and beautiful moment, getting a lot of love,” Messi said during the event. “It was time for a South American team to win the World Cup again.”
Earlier this week, Argentina renamed their training facility after Messi for his heroics during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Messi emulated Maradona on the world stage, ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for the World Cup.
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