Lionel Messi has been named an Honorary Member of River Plate, receiving a special recognition from the Argentine club ahead of his farewell appearance for the Argentina national team at the Monumental Stadium.
River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo personally presented Messi with the honorary membership card, a commemorative plaque and the club's famous Manto Sagrado shirt bearing Messi's name and his iconic No. 10.
River Plate honours Messi
The presentation took place at River Plate's Monumental Stadium on October 6, shortly before Argentina's friendly against Benin.
River officially announced the recognition through its channels, describing the occasion as a historic day and thanking Messi for his contribution to football.
The club's gesture was particularly significant because Messi has never played professionally for River Plate. However, his connection with the club dates back to his childhood.
As a young player, Messi reportedly had a trial with River's academy before eventually moving to Barcelona with his family.
A special detail on Messi's membership card
The honorary membership card contained a symbolic reference to one of the most important moments of Messi's career.
Instead of a conventional membership number, the card reportedly carries “ARG18122022”, referring to December 18, 2022 — the date Argentina defeated France in the World Cup final in Qatar.
Messi scored twice in the final before converting his penalty in the shootout as Argentina won the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
The detail adds a personal connection between the honour and the achievement that completed Messi's international career.
Monumental has been special to Messi
River Plate's stadium has also played an important role in Messi's career with Argentina.
The Monumental has hosted numerous Argentina matches involving Messi, including World Cup qualifiers and other international fixtures. River's recognition comes as Messi prepares for what has been described as his farewell match with the national team.
The club's tribute therefore came during a particularly emotional period for the Argentina captain, who has spent more than two decades representing the national team.
River's official recognition also adds to the series of honours Messi has received in Argentina around his farewell.
Messi receives another major Argentine honour
The River Plate recognition came on the same day that Messi was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires, another major honour celebrating his career and contribution to Argentine sport.
For River Plate, making Messi an honorary member allows the club to formally recognize a player who has become one of the most influential figures in Argentine football history, despite never wearing River's shirt in a competitive match.
The presentation by Di Carlo also gave the club an opportunity to celebrate Messi at the Monumental, a stadium that has witnessed many of his most memorable moments with Argentina.
For Messi, the honorary membership adds another distinction to a farewell period filled with tributes from institutions across Argentina.
