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Messi, holding a replica of the World Cup
trophy, stood beside the life-size statue at an unveiling
ceremony at the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL)
headquarters in Luque, Paraguay before the Copa Libertadores
draw on Monday.
The 35-year-old emulated the late Maradona by leading Argentina
to their first World Cup triumph in 36 years in Qatar in
December.
"I had never dreamed or thought about this," Messi said. "My
dream was to enjoy what I liked when I was little, to be a
professional soccer player, to do what I always loved in this
life.
"I had a very long road, many decisions and defeats, but I
always looked ahead and wanted to go for a triumph, for a
victory.
"I think that is the most important thing, to fight for your
dreams, that everything is possible and to enjoy the game, which
is the most beautiful thing there is."
The Argentina players and coach Lionel Scaloni also received
miniature trophies of the World Cup and the Copa America, which
they won in 2021.
The Argentine Football Federation renamed the national team's
training facility after Messi on Saturday, two days after he
scored his 800th career goal in a 2-0 friendly win over Panama.
Messi has scored 99 goals for his country and would become the
first Argentina player to net 100 international goals if he
scores in Tuesday's friendly against Curacao.
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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