Argentina’s training facility named after Messi

Argentina have honoured Lionel Messi’s World Cup heroics by naming their training facility after their talismanic captain.

Casa de Ezeiza, in Buenos Aires, houses Argentina’s national team set-up, but it will now be known as Lionel Andres Messi.

Chiqui Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), confirmed the news on Saturday, tweeting: “We lived a historic day in our Casa de Ezeiza, which from today will be renamed Lionel Andres Messi, in homage to the best player in the world.

“I want to thank all the managers, players and employees of @afa for having been with us.”

Messi dragged Argentina to glory in Qatar last year, emulating the success of the late Diego Maradona as La Albiceleste claimed their third world title, and first since 1986.

“This recognition is one of the nicest I’ve ever received,” Messi posted on Instagram. “A great honour, thank you very much!!!”

Messi scored the 800th goal of his stellar career in Argentina’s 2-0 friendly win over Panama on Thursday. The 35-year-old’s next goal on the international stage will be his 100th for his country.