Messi, who attended the unveiling of a statue in his image at the South American Football Federation's football museum, alongside those of Pele and Diego Maradona, was widely acclaimed at the event, which brought tears of emotion to the 25 Argentine players and staff gathered in Luque. near Asuncion.
"I'm delighted. 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), whatever happens," said the 35-year-old striker, who has played in five World Cups.
The Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti dedicated to him the song "Brindis", the same one she had sung for Diego Maradona. The song was published by the PSG player on his social networks to share what he experienced during the World Cup in Qatar.
The artist descended from the stage to Messi's seat to take his hand and sing along with him. "It was very exciting. It's very strong. The fact that she is singing it to me now was a very pleasant moment," said the Argentine idol, to whom Alejandro Dominguez, president of Conmebol, presented a replica of the World Cup and a stick representing the "leader and guide of world football".
Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti performs during a Conmebol tribute to members of the Argentine national team who won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, at Conmebol headquarters in Luque, Paraguay, March 27, 2023 © NORBERTO DUARTE / AFP
In a video created by artificial intelligence and released at the event, Pele and Maradona also spoke of Messi's exceptional talents.
"Beyond all the affection we receive, we are not yet really aware of what it means to be world champion," explained "La Pulga".
© 2023 AFP