Recognition at the Monumental! Lionel Messi becomes an honorary member of River Plate

The Argentine superclub hosted a ceremony honoring the world champions’ captain at its legendary stadium.

Details: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has officially become an honorary member of River Plate. The ceremony recognizing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s achievements took place in Buenos Aires. The club’s official media service reported the news.

Accompanied by club president Stefano Di Carlo, the star forward received an official honorary socio membership card, a commemorative plaque and the sacred Manto Sagrado jersey bearing his surname and iconic number 10.

The event took place at the Monumental, the stadium that witnessed the legend’s farewell to international football. The club’s leadership highlighted the captain’s immense contribution to the greatness of Argentine sport and expressed its pride that the player had forever linked his name with the club’s history.

It is worth noting that, as a youngster, Lionel Messi had a trial at River Plate’s academy shortly before moving to Barcelona, while the Monumental pitch remained the forward’s main lucky ground for Argentina matches for two decades.

Reminder: Tears, a goal and a portrait in the sky! Lionel Messi played a spectacular farewell match for Argentina