In the Rio de la Plata preview, key Argentina figures were celebrated for major personal honors
During the Paris ceremony on October 30, Lionel Messi added another milestone to his storied career, earning his eighth Ballon d’Or. At the same event, Emiliano Martínez received the Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper. France Football, the magazine behind these awards, highlighted Argentina’s triumph in the 2022 Qatar World Cup as a central reason for recognizing both players. The celebration marked a moment of national pride as Argentina honored its champions on a global stage. [Goal]
Curiosity about the Ballon d’Or history naturally arises: who has won it all over the decades? The ceremony served as a reminder of how the award has evolved and how a single team can shape a country’s football narrative across generations. [Goal]
In the lead-up to the clash between the reigning world champions and Uruguay, the Argentina coaching staff used the moment to salute two of their brightest stars. The atmosphere was tense and electric as the national team prepared for a crucial South American Qualifiers match in 2026, underscoring the importance of leadership and peak performance in elite football. [Goal]
DIBU AND LEO: A DOUBLE DISPLAY OF AFA PRIDE
Before the match, Claudio Tapia presented a plaque to Emiliano Martínez, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. The gesture underscored Martínez’s status as a goalkeeper who has earned international recognition for his performances. Juan Román Riquelme, a former Boca Juniors great and current executive, joined the moment, exchanging smiles and posing for photos with the players who had just been honored. Afterward, Martínez headed to the locker room to refocus for the game ahead. [Goal]
THE MOMENT OF HONOR AT THE BOMBORENA STADIUM
Tapia, the president of the Argentine Football Association, together with Riquelme, the vice president of Boca Juniors, presented a trophy to the national team’s goalkeeper. The award celebrated Martínez’s achievement as the best goalkeeper in the world, a distinction that resonated across the football world. The moment was captured in posts from TyC Sports, documenting the crowd’s reaction and the players’ smiles. [TyC Sports]
Shortly after, the spotlight shifted to the team captain. On the field, as cheers echoed through a full stadium, the leadership duo recognized Messi, whose eighth Ballon d’Or crowned a remarkable era of individual and team success. The scene combined jubilation with a sense of history, as fans and teammates alike celebrated a player who had become synonymous with Argentine football excellence. [TyC Sports]
THE TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYER: LIONEL MESSI
Another ceremonial moment featured Riquelme and Tapia presenting a commemorative plaque to Messi, honoring his extraordinary achievement and cementing his legacy in football lore. The ceremony reinforced the emotional link between players, administrators, and supporters who view Messi as a national emblem. [TyC Sports]
Source: Goal [Goal]