Messi Honoured With 'Baton Of Football', Statue

South America football governing organisation, CONMEBOL, has honoured Argentine superstar footballer, Leo Messi, with the 'Baton of Football'.

The 35-year-old Messi was honored by the South American Football Confederation, also known as CONMEBOL, with a statue and a baton signifying his leadership and mastery of the game. 

In the CONMEBOL museum, Messi's monument will be displayed alongside those of legendary athletes Pele and Diego Maradona.

Argentina defeated the defending champions France 4-2 on penalties in Qatar, and Messi gave his team the inspiration they needed to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A life-sized statue of Messi holding the World Cup was also made in his honour. The footballer shared photos from the event on his Instagram page on Monday.

He wrote, "Thanks to #conmebol for this tribute and to #sole_pastorutti for that beautiful moment. It was very special and emotional."