At the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi achieved his lifelong dream by lifting the coveted World Cup trophy for Argentina.
As it is expected to be his last World Cup appearance, the football legend led his team to victory and contributed greatly to their success, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
His outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Ball award, which recognizes the best player in the competition.
Epic statue of Lionel Messi holding the World Cup trophy is unveiled
South America’s football federation – CONMEBOL – has now honoured Messi with a statue after his World Cup heroics.
On Monday evening, a life-size statue of Messi holding the World Cup trophy was revealed at their headquarters in Paraguay.
The unveiling ceremony included Messi himself, who was present on stage during the event.
View his reaction, as well as the statue, below…
VIDEO: Lionel Messi’s reaction after seeing a statue of himself
⭐️🇦🇷 ¡Una noche llena de sorpresas! La reacción de Lionel Messi al descrubrir su estatua con la Copa del Mundo. #LaNocheDeLasEstrellas ⚽🏆 pic.twitter.com/T3nYWYdutc
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) March 27, 2023
Lionel Messi: I never dreamed about this
The statue with stand alongside similar statues of Maradona and Pele at the CONMEBOL museum.
Messi couldn’t contain his happiness after it was unveiled.
“I had never dreamed or thought about this,”Messi said, per the Evening Standard.
“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.”
What next for Lionel Messi?
Argentina will host Curacao for a friendly match at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades on Tuesday evening,
with Messi expected to participate before returning to his club, Paris Saint-Germain.
The French team suffered a loss in their previous match against Rennes, and will aim to get back on track with a victory against Lyon on Sunday, April 2.