Messi: World Cup glory yet to sink in

ASUNCION — Lionel Messi said on Monday that he has yet to fully grasp the magnitude of Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar.

The Argentina captain made the comments during a ceremony in the Paraguayan capital Asuncion, during which the Albiceleste players and coaching staff received medals and trophies to commemorate the country's third World Cup trophy.

"Even with all the recognition we are receiving for being world champions, I think we are still not really aware of what we have achieved," Messi said.

The 35-year-old, who scored two goals in the final against France and won the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player, reiterated his desire to continue playing at international level.

"We are thinking about what is coming and not about what we did. I am satisfied with this," the Paris Saint-Germain forward said. "I have achieved practically everything in football. Now all I have to do is enjoy what I have left," he added.

The ceremony came four days after 80,000 fans packed into the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to watch Argentina's 2-0 friendly victory over Panama, the team's first match since the World Cup final in December.

Renamed after Leo

The Argentina national team's training facility has been renamed after talismanic captain Messi in recognition of his World Cup heroics and star-studded career, the country's soccer association (AFA) said last Saturday.

The Casa de Ezeiza in Buenos Aires, which houses the national team set-up, will now be known as Lionel Andres Messi "in tribute to the best player in the world", AFA president Claudio Tapia wrote on Twitter.

"Welcome to the world champion's house," Tapia said at the unveiling ceremony attended by current and former Argentina players.

Messi ended Argentina's 36-year wait for the World Cup, emulating the late Diego Maradona when he led them to victory against France in a pulsating final in Qatar in December.

"I feel very happy. This tribute is very, very special," Messi said after unveiling the plaque bearing his name.

"Knowing it will be named Lionel Andres Messi is something very beautiful."

The World Cup had been the one piece of silverware missing from Messi's extraordinary career, during which he has been voted the world's best player a record seven times and won the Copa America, 11 league titles and four Champions League titles among other major honors.

Messi scored his 800th career goal in Thursday's 2-0 win over Panama in a friendly in Buenos Aires — Argentina's first game in front of its home fans since the World Cup triumph.

He was due to lead Argentina in a friendly against Curacao on Tuesday before returning to club duty with PSG.

Agencies