The diminutive forward had stepped out of Diego Maradona’s shadow by leading Argentina to World Cup victory last year.

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.

The event was held 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 football 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.

Source: Reuters/NAN

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By Monday, 15,235 tests had been carried with a 0.9 per cent of positive results, mostly from employees.

“This is a clear sign that the preventive measures and health protocols are working as expected,” CONMEBOL said.

On Friday, the Brazilian government said that 82 people linked to the Copa America had contracted the virus.

All four host cities — Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Cuiaba and Goiania — recorded cases linked to the tournament.

In the Venezuela team alone, around a dozen players and staff have been infected.

Most recently, players of the Chile national team welcomed a hairdresser in their hotel in Cuiaba, therefore violating the coronavirus restrictions.

Those involved must now pay a fine, but a sum was not named.

The Copa America was moved to Brazil after Colombia, due to political unrest.

It was also moved out of Argentina, due to rising coronavirus infection rates, after they were dropped as hosts.

The decision to stage the tournament in Brazil got a lot of criticism.

On Sunday, the country recorded 1,050 Covid-19 deaths, with a total of more than 500,000.

Source: dpa/NAN

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The 32-year-old forward was sent off during Argentina’s 2-1 third-place play-off defeat of Chile and he later said the competition was fixed for hosts Brazil.

He has also been fined about N18 million (about 50,000 dollars or 41,121 pounds).

Messi has seven days to appeal the decision to suspend him, as well as the fine.

The ban means Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming friendly matches against Chile, Mexico and Germany in September and October.

The ban will however not disrupt Argentina’s qualifying campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as the qualifiers begin in March.

After Argentina’s 2-0 semi-final defeat by hosts Brazil, the Argentine Football Association had complained about “serious and gross refereeing errors”.

Messi was shown a red card in the 37th minute against Chile, following a clash with Gary Medel, who was also dismissed.

“We don’t have to be part of this corruption,” Messi had said. “They have showed us a lack of respect throughout this tournament.

“Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don’t allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit.”

CONMEBOL had responded by saying accusations questioning the integrity of the Copa America were “unfounded” and “represent a lack of respect.”

Source:  NAN

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