CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez surprised many by challenging Lionel Messi to play in the Copa Libertadores following the superstar’s emotional farewell to the Argentina national team.
Lionel Messi‘s career in world football is filled with historic achievements, yet one of the most traditional tournaments on the planet is still missing from his extensive resume.
During the tributes paid to the number 10 after his final match for his country, the leadership of South American football put a new goal on the athlete’s table.
The unusual moment took place behind the scenes at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, shortly after the Albiceleste‘s 3-0 victory over Benin.
At 39 years old, and following a masterclass performance featuring a goal and two assists, the forward celebrated his goodbye with the fans, but ended up receiving an unexpected invitation to extend his career on South American pitches.
The challenge for the continental tournament
The public proposal came from Alejandro Domínguez, the top executive at CONMEBOL, via a video released on digital platforms.
The executive highlighted that the region’s main club competition is the big trophy missing from the cabinet of the Argentine, who built his entire professional career in Europe, most notably with Barcelona.
I believe the only thing missing is for you to play in the Libertadores. Do you accept the challenge?
Faced with the cameras and the executive’s lighthearted provocation, the star maintained a reserved stance and opted for silence, neither confirming nor ruling out the possibility of playing for a South American team in the future.
Messi‘s early departure for Europe in his youth prevented him from ever experiencing the unique atmosphere of continental duels.
CONMEBOL‘s move fuels the debate over the next steps in the career of the player, who is currently in North American football.
Although a transfer seems unlikely in the current scenario, the mere possibility of seeing the best player in history on South American soil stirs up the transfer market and fires the imagination of fans who are passionate about the sport.
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