In a historic move that transcends traditional soccer rivalries, Brazil will pay tribute to Argentina’s Lionel Messi by adding his footprints to the prestigious Walk of Fame at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium.
This honor places Messi alongside legendary Brazilian icons like Pelé, Garrincha, Ronaldo Nazario, and Neymar, acknowledging his remarkable impact on global soccer.
The announcement, made by Brazilian journalist Fabricio Chicca, has resonated with both Brazilian and Argentine fans who admire Messi’s achievements. Having led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, Messi’s legacy now extends into Brazilian history, as he has been invited to leave his mark at Maracana during a friendly match between Flamengo and his club, Inter Miami, scheduled for February 2025. Although Messi had been initially invited after the 2019 Copa America, Argentina’s semifinal loss to Brazil delayed the plans.
Adriano Jose dos Santos, president of the Superintendency of Sports of the State of Rio de Janeiro, expressed his admiration for Messi’s legacy in late 2022, saying, “Winning the World Cup is the crowning glory of a beautiful and victorious career. Nothing could be fairer than Maracana honoring him. Messi is truly a genius of the ball.”
This tribute at Maracana’s Walk of Fame places Messi among an elite circle of international players who have left an enduring mark on the sport. As one of the few foreign players to be included, he joins soccer legends such as Chile’s Elías Figueroa, Uruguay’s Alcides Ghiggia and Sebastián Abreu, and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer. The Walk of Fame celebrates players who have elevated soccer beyond borders, making Messi’s inclusion a testament to his influence and the mutual respect cultivated between him and Brazil.
Messi’s visit to Maracana will also coincide with another significant milestone: Inter Miami’s participation in the 2025 Club World Cup. This tournament, hosted by the United States, will see Inter Miami, alongside Brazilian clubs Flamengo, Fluminense, and Palmeiras, compete with other international champions. Inter Miami earned its spot by winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. Messi, together with fellow star Luis Suarez, will represent MLS on the world stage, in what may be one of his final international club tournaments as he approaches the latter stages of his illustrious career.
This tribute at the Maracana not only commemorates Messi’s monumental contributions to the sport but also exemplifies Brazil’s appreciation for his exceptional talent, which has elevated soccer for fans around the globe and bridged even the fiercest rivalries.
