Lionel Messi was presented a statue by the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) following him leading Argentina to win the world cup in 2022.

The unveiling ceremony was held at the CONMEBOL headquarters in Luque, Paraguay on Monday.

The statue will be based in the CONMEBOL headquarters and is to be placed next to Pele’s and Maradona’s statues.

Messi was also given a replica of the World Cup and the Finalissima trophy that Argentina won against Italy. His teammates and coach also received miniature trophies, as well as that of the 2021 Copa America, lifted in Brazil.

In his speech Messi said,

“I keep these cups in a museum at home. Thanks to CONMEBOL for this tribute to us and to Sole for the theme, we listen to it a lot and it reminds me of when she sang it to Diego. We are living very beautiful moments, we were lucky to return to Argentina after the World Cup and we received many expressions of affection. It was different, that’s how the people of Argentina show it, ”

“In many parts of the world, they were happy for us. The last thing I want to say is that beyond the love that this group receives, I think we are still not aware of what it means. We think about what is coming and not what we did, this is for life. I’m fulfilled with this, it was what I was missing. Thank God I got everything in football.”

“I had never dreamed or thought about this. My dream was to be a professional football player. I always tried to improve myself and want more. I had many defeats but I always looked forward. I always wanted to go for a win, that’s the most important thing. Fighting for your dreams. The ball is the most beautiful thing there is. ” Messi said.