Lionel Messi at the ceremony organized by Conmebol CESAR OLMEDO / REUTERS
Lionel Messi and Argentina’s world champion team were honored at a ceremony organized by Conmebol (South American Football Confederation).
«It was time for a South American team to become world champions again“, said Monday the Argentine star Lionel Messi, particularly honored during a ceremony called “night of starsat the headquarters of Conmebol (South American Football Confederation) in Paraguay to pay tribute to the Argentina team crowned at the 2022 World Cup.
Messi, who attended the unveiling of a statue in his likeness at the South American Football Federation’s Football Museum alongside those of Pelé and Diego Maradona, was widely acclaimed at the event which brought tears of emotion to the 25 players and members of the Argentinian coaching staff gathered in Luque, near Asunción.
«I’m satisfied. That’s what I was missing. I was able to achieve everything in football. I thank my teammates for this beautiful gift they gave me. Now I have to enjoy what I have left (as a footballer), no matter whathumbly said the 35-year-old striker, who has competed in five World Cups.
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The Argentinian singer Soledad Pastorutti dedicated the song “Toast“, the same one she had sung for Diego Maradona. The song was published by the PSG player on his social networks to share what he experienced during the World Cup in Qatar.
The artist came down from the stage to Messi’s seat to take his hand and sing along with him. “It was very exciting. It’s very strong. The fact that she sings it to me now was a very pleasant moment“, said the Argentine idol, to whom Alejandro Dominguez, president of Conmebol, presented a replica of the World Cup and a stick representing the “leader and guide in world football».
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In a video created by an artificial intelligence and broadcast during the event, Pelé and Maradona also spoke of the exceptional talents of Messi. “Beyond all the affection we receive, we still don’t really realize what it means to be world champion“, has explained “The flea».