Club Atlético River Plate named Lionel Messi an Honorary Member on Tuesday in a ceremony held at the Estadio Monumental. The event took place hours before Messi's farewell match with the Argentina national team against Benin.
Club president Stefano Di Carlo personally presented the Albiceleste captain with his official membership card, a commemorative plaque, and a personalized River Plate jersey bearing his name and the number 10. The institution accompanied the tribute with the message "Gracias por tanto futbol". The plaque recognises Messi as a world champion, undefeated at the Monumental with the national team, and a national sports reference.
A recognition with history
This symbolic gesture comes 26 years after River Plate decided not to sign a 13-year-old Messi. At the time, the cost of the medical treatment the player required was the reason that prevented his arrival at Núñez, an episode the club now seeks to remedy with this distinction. Messi had revealed in a 2019 interview that he was close to joining the Millonario before leaving for Barcelona. In that same interview, the Argentine star detailed that his father, Jorge, had held talks with the club and that he had even undergone trials, but the deal ultimately fell through due to the financial demands of the growth hormone treatment.
The ceremony took place at the same venue where Messi has played 28 matches for Argentina without defeat, and where he scored in the 2015 Club World Cup final that River won 3-0. The code "ARG18122022" on his card references the date of his World Cup triumph in Qatar. During the event, Di Carlo stressed that Messi is "the best player in history" and that the honor was "more for the club than for him". Messi, for his part, thanked the recognition and said he felt "very emotional".
While the focus is on this historic recognition, River Plate continues its campaign in the Liga Profesional. The team sits ninth with 13 points after 10 matchdays, showing a recent run of three wins, one draw and one loss in its last five outings. Its next challenge will be hosting Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto on October 11, a key match to continue climbing the standings. Forward Tomás Galván, with six goals this season, will be a key piece in that objective, as shown by our stats. Coach Martín Demichelis will have to decide the team for that match, evaluating the performance shown in the last victory against Lanús.
The close of this unique day for the club will see the team focus again on domestic competition, with an eye on the upcoming fixtures on the local calendar. The institution considers that the tribute to Messi closes a circle and strengthens its bond with one of the greatest figures in Argentine football, regardless of the jersey he has worn throughout his career.
More detail at Record MX
The meeting in the presidential office at the Monumental lasted about 20 minutes, the club confirmed. There, president Stefano Di Carlo presented Lionel Messi with a special shirt for the institution's 125th anniversary. After the ceremony, Messi signed his last Argentina shirt and wrote: "For the people of River, with much affection. Leo".
Club president Stefano Di Carlo confirmed that the meeting with Lionel Messi in the Presidential Office at the Monumental lasted approximately 20 minutes. Di Carlo highlighted the importance of the moment for the institution. River Plate continues its campaign in the Liga Profesional, where it occupies ninth place with 13 points after 10 matchdays.
