CONMEBOL president challenges Lionel Messi to complete career with Copa Libertadores appearance

Alejandro Dominguez has challenged Lionel Messi to play in the Copa Libertadores after the Argentina captain brought his international career to an end against Benin.

Messi played his final match for Argentina early yesterday, closing a distinguished international career that included leading the team to the 2022 World Cup title.

According to MARCA, the CONMEBOL president suggested the Copa Libertadores was the one major achievement missing from Messi’s career.

“I think the only thing he is missing is playing in the Copa Libertadores,” Dominguez said.

The Paraguayan official made the comment in a video posted on his social media accounts. It was recorded when he met Messi during Argentina’s farewell match at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Dominguez then asked Messi, while laughing: “Do you accept the challenge?”

Messi did not respond to the proposal.

The Argentina captain ended his international era in decisive fashion, scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0.