“It was time for a South American team to become world champions again,” said Lionel Messi. The seven-time Ballon d’Or was particularly honored during a ceremony called “Night of the Stars” at the CONMEBOL headquarters in Paraguay to pay tribute to the Argentine team crowned at the 2022 World Cup.
Messi attended the unveiling of a statue in his likeness at the South American Federation Football Museum, alongside those of Pelé and Diego Maradona. He was widely acclaimed during this event which brought tears of emotion to the 25 players and members of the Argentine coaching staff gathered in Luque, near Asuncion.
“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 what“, humbly said the 35-year-old striker, who has participated in 5 World Cups.
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