In a dream-like night in Paraguay, CONMEBOL honored the World Champions in a majestic ceremony that took the football world by awe. In the “Noche de las Estrellas” or the 'Night of the Stars', Argentina were conferred regal honors to commemorate their World Cup achievement as a South American nation.
The almost mystical night saw CONMEBOL president, Alejandro Dominguez, handover the Baton of Football to Leo Messi and declare him the Ruler Supreme of the Footballing Realm.
“On behalf of South American football, and football from around the world, today we give to you leadership and command of world football.”
AFA President Claudio Tapia was awarded the South American Football Order of Honor and Lionel Scaloni received a memorial to commemorate the International Treble that his team won across a year and a half.
Lionel Messi was honored with a life sized statue of himself holding the World Cup. It will be placed next to Pele and Maradona's waxwork in the CONMEBOL museum at Luque, Paraguay.
The entire Argentina squad were recognised at the ceremony and young Albiceleste fans conveyed their gratitude to their favorite players. Argentine folk singer Soledad Pastorutti sang to Leo Messi on the occasion, the same song she had once sung to the late, Deigo Maradona.
Alejandro Dominguez, CONMEBOL President, then awarded replicas of the Copa America, La Finalissima and the World Cup to Leo Messi who conveyed words of acknowledgement and gratitude to CONMEBOL. He was finally handed the Baton of Football and ceremoniously declared the Rightful Ruler Supreme of the Footballing Realm.
Reminds of an older Editorial –
“Ode to a crusade that has transcended time, The Crusade to crown the Rightful King”
Editor's Desk | A.Ash ✎