The Rio de Janeiro State Sports Superintendence said that Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team, is welcome to “eternalize” his mark at Brazil’s famous Maracana stadium by leaving his tracks in the hall of fame.

“Messi has already shown how important he is, both on and off the field.” Adriano Santos, president of the superintendence, wrote to Argentina captain Messi through the Argentine FA (AFA): “He is a player who has been at the highest level in the history of football for years.”

The Maracana should also honor him because it is the only thing that makes sense. “After all, Messi is great with the ball,” he said.

The historic Maracana stadium has been the site of two World Cup games, in 1950 and 2014. In 2021, Messi and his team beat Brazil 1-0 to win the Copa America.

Messi’s name would be written on the Maracana’s Walk of Fame next to Brazilian greats like Pele, Garrincha, Rivelino, and Ronaldo. It would also be written next to the names of other famous players from around the world, like Elias Figueroa of Chile, Dejan Petkovic of Serbia, Eusebio of Portugal, Sebastian Abreu of Uruguay, and Franz Beckenbauer of Germany.