River honors Messi with a plaque and names him honorary member

Lionel Messi continues to receive gestures of recognition after his farewell to the Selección Argentina, and this time it was River that honored him at the Monumental stadium. The Núñez institution granted him the status of honorary member and paired the gesture with a special membership card and a plaque at its offices.

A recognition at the Monumental

The distinction came in a setting filled with tributes for the Argentine captain, who was officially bid farewell by the Selección at the Monumental. In that context, River added its own recognition and named him honorary member, a symbolic sign of affection toward one of the most important figures in world football.

The club also said the tribute included:

• a membership card;
• a special plaque;
• and the presentation of the recognition at the Monumental stadium offices.

Messi's farewell, echoed throughout football

The day on which Messi received these tributes sparked several reactions around the game. Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, also joined in with a message of congratulations and thanks after his last match with the Albiceleste. Meanwhile, Alejandro Domínguez, CONMEBOL president, invited him to play in the Libertadores, reminding him that this is the major continental trophy he still lacks.

At the same time, Messi himself spoke for the first time after the end of his spell and made it clear that this was a decision made with conviction. In his message, he said:

"I know I am making the right decision," said Lionel Messi.

And he added:

"Yesterday was my last match and I already miss wearing the sky blue and white. It was an incredible journey, full of joys and also some sorrows, but I am clear that every step I took was worth it," said Lionel Messi.

Beyond the tributes, Argentine football also turned its attention back to the local competition: the Torneo Clausura resumes with round 12 and the clubs are already focusing on the final stretch of the championship.