In a landmark gesture that transcends nationwide rivalries, Brazil will honor Argentina’s Lionel Messi at Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracana Stadium. The long-lasting ahead’s footprints will be part of these of Pele, Garrincha, Ronaldo Nazario, and Neymar on the stadium’s prestigious ‘Stroll of Fame’, recognizing his excellent contributions to the game.
The choice, formally introduced by Brazilian journalist Fabricio Chicca, has been met with widespread approval and admiration from each Brazilian and Argentine followers. Messi, who lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, will etch his legacy into Brazilian historical past on the Maracana, the place he’s been invited to go away his mark throughout a pleasant match between Flamengo and Messi’s Inter Miami in February 2025. This recognition is the fruits of years of admiration for the ahead’s profession; an preliminary invitation had come after the 2019 Copa America, although Argentina’s semifinal loss to Brazil had postponed plans.
Adriano Jose dos Santos, president of the Superintendency of Sports activities of the State of Rio de Janeiro, expressed his admiration for Messi’s influence again in late 2022. He said, “Successful the World Cup is the crowning glory of a gorgeous and victorious profession. Nothing may very well be fairer than Maracana honoring him. Messi is really a genius of the ball.”
Maracana’s ‘Stroll of Fame’: Pantheon of legends
Becoming a member of Maracana’s Stroll of Fame places the Inter Miami captain alongside a choose group of gamers who’ve left their mark in worldwide soccer. He shall be one of many few overseas gamers honored, becoming a member of legends resembling Chile’s Elías Figueroa, Uruguay’s Alcides Ghiggia and Sebastian Abreu, and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer. The stroll serves as a celebration of gamers whose contributions transcend borders, making the 36-year-old’s addition a symbolic nod to his affect on soccer and his rivalry-turned-respect with Brazil.
Messi’s Miami and Flamengo to characteristic in Membership World Cup
Messi’s presence at Maracana will coincide with one other vital occasion: Inter Miami’s entry into the 2025 Membership World Cup. Hosted by the US, the match will see Inter Miami, alongside Brazilian golf equipment Flamengo, Fluminense, and Palmeiras, competing towards worldwide champions. Inter Miami secured its place within the match by successful the MLS Supporters’ Protect, awarded to the staff with the perfect file in the course of the common season.
Alongside Luis Suarez, the duo will characterize MLS on the worldwide stage. Scheduled between June and July 2025, this can mark considered one of Messi’s final worldwide membership tournaments as he strikes nearer to the top of his storied profession.
The ex-Barcelona star’s tribute on the Maracana underscores his international influence and a stage of respect that crosses even probably the most fierce nationwide boundaries. This honor not solely celebrates his success but in addition displays Brazil’s appreciation for a participant whose skills have elevated the sport for followers worldwide.
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