Lionel Messi has been awarded an historic South American honour following his exploits in recent months.
The 35-year-old has been lauded as a national icon in his country after guiding the Albiceleste to their first FIFA World Cup title in 36 years in December.
With his idol, Diego Maradona, having been heralded as one of the greatest South American athletes in history, along with Brazilian great Pele, for his incredible sporting contribution, Messi has now been honoured alongside the legendary duo with a statue at the prestigious CONMEBOL museum in Paraguay.
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In a ceremony conducted shortly before the 2023 Copa Libertadores draw on Monday, a sculpture of the Paris Saint-Germain star holding the World Cup trophy in his Argentina kit was unveiled, stood next to Pele and Maradona's statues.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner gave a heartwarming speech on stage to commemorate the historic moment.
"I had never dreamed or thought about this," Messi said, according to Reuters.
"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."
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