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- The ‘baton of football’ was handed to Messi by the CONMEBOL president
- President Alejandro Dominguez also tried to give Messi some career advice
- Lionel Messi is honoured with life-sized statue after his World Cup heroics
Lionel Messi received a bizarre tribute as part of CONMEBOL’s celebration of the Argentina national team’s World Cup victory on Monday night.
The former Barcelona man was handed a ceremonial baton as part of a declaration by the South American footballing organisation’s president, Alejandro Dominguez, that Messi was the greatest footballer in the world.
After first presenting the Paris Saint-Germain player with replicas of the three trophies he has won for his country over the past three years – the Copa America, the Finalissima, and the World Cup – the president’s commemoration of the 35-year-old’s achievements took an unexpected turn.
A large box was brought on stage, and an ornate sceptre was taken out to be handed to Messi by Dominguez.
Before he did so, Dominguez announced: ‘On behalf of South American football, and football from around the world, today we give to you leadership and command of world football.’
Lionel Messi was presented with the ‘baton of football’ by CONMEBOL on Monday night
The No 10 looked delighted by the honour, after spending a few moments examining the baton
The No 10 received the baton with some interest, examining its craftsmanship for a few moments whilst his team-mates in the audience applauded the gesture.
Messi later received the evening’s greatest honour, a life-sized statue which will stand in CONMEBOL’s museum in Paraguay alongside fellow South American footballing greats such as Diego Maradona and Pele.
Source:Daily Mail