BRAZIL INVITES MESSI TO MARK FOOTPRINTS IN MARACANA’S HALL OF FAME

The Rio de Janeiro State Sports Superintendence has announced that Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi has been asked to “eternalise” his mark at Brazil’s illustrious Maracana stadium by placing his footprints in the stadium’s Hall of Fame.

The governmental entity that manages the stadium extended Messi’s invitation once more after Argentina won the World Cup on Sunday by defeating France 4-2 on penalties in an electrifying final. The offer was initially extended after the “Albiceleste” won the Copa America in 2021.

“Messi has already proven his worth both on and off the field. “He is a player who has been at the top level in football history for years,” stated Adriano Santos, president of the superintendence, in a letter delivered to Argentina captain Messi via the Argentine FA (AFA).

“And nothing could be more suitable than the Maracana paying tribute to him. “After all, Messi is a ball genius,” he continued.

The iconic Maracana stadium has hosted two World Cup finals, in 1950 and 2014, and Messi and his team were crowned Copa America champions in 2021 after defeating Brazil 1-0.

Messi’s footprints on the Walk of Fame at the Maracana would be next to legends from Brazil like Pele, Garrincha, Rivelino, and Ronaldo, as well as players from other countries like Chile’s Elias Figueroa, Serbia’s Dejan Petkovic, Portugal’s Eusebio, Uruguay’s Sebastian Abreu, and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer.