Lionel Messi stepped out of Diego Maradona’s shadow to lead Argentina to last year’s World Cup victory, and a statue of the best striker will stand next to those of his predecessor and the great Brazilian Pelé at the Museum of the South American Confederation.

Messi, holding a replica of the World Cup trophy, stood next to a life-size statue at the opening ceremony at the headquarters of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) in Luca, Paraguay, ahead of the Copa Libertadores draw on Monday.

The 35-year-old emulated the late Maradona by leading Argentina to their first World Cup triumph in Qatar in December in 36 years.

“I never dreamed or thought about it,” Messi said. “My dream was to enjoy what I loved in my youth, to become a professional football player, to do what I have always loved in this life.

“I had a very long way, many decisions and defeats, but I always looked ahead and wanted to follow the triumph, the victory.

“I think that’s the most important thing – to fight for your dreams, for the fact that everything is possible, and enjoy the game, which is the most beautiful thing there is.”

Argentine players and coach Lionel Scaloni also received miniature World Cup and Copa America trophies they won in 2021.

The Argentine Football Federation renamed the national team’s training center after Messi on Saturday, two days after he scored the 800th goal of his career in a 2-0 friendly win over Panama.

Messi has scored 99 goals for his country and will become the first Argentine player to score 100 goals for the national team if he scores on Tuesday in a friendly against Curaçao.

Source: Reuters.