The sports governing body of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro announced that it has invited Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national team and winner of the World Cup in Qatar, to "imprint" his legacy at the famous Maracanã Stadium by leaving his footprints in the venue's hall of fame. After Argentina won the World Cup by defeating France 4-2 on penalties in a thrilling final held last Sunday at Lusail Stadium, the public authority that manages Maracanã has renewed its invitation for Messi to leave his mark in the stadium's hall of fame, a gesture he first made when Argentina won the Copa América in 2021.
The head of the overseeing body sent a message to Messi via the Argentine Football Association stating: "Messi has already shown his importance both on and off the pitch. He is a player who has remained at the highest level in the history of football for years. Nothing seems more appropriate than Maracanã Stadium honoring him. Furthermore, Messi is a genius when it comes to handling the ball." The historic Maracanã Stadium has hosted two World Cup finals, in 1950 and 2014, and witnessed Messi and his team's victory in the 2021 Copa América by defeating Brazil 1-0.
