The Conmebol Leyendas 2023 Match: A Night of Soccer Legends
Team Tango won 2-1 against Team Samba at the CONMEBOL Leyendas 2023 event.
Photo: Gasner Delvarin Jr.
CONMEBOL Leyendas, Team Tango (white) and Team Samba (red) on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the DRV PNK Stadium ahead of the Copa America draw on Thursday 7, slated for 2024 in the United States.
December 6, 2023
Gasner Delvarin Jr., Writer
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The soccer world witnessed a magical night on Tuesday, December 5, as the Leyendas Conmebol match brought fans together at the DRV PNK Stadium.
This initiative, orchestrated by CONMEBOL, reunited soccer legends who left their imprints in history to be on the pitch.
The teams were guided by their respective captains. Ronaldinho, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, led Team Samba and Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero, the former Argentine national team player, for Team Tango in the contested battle that ended in favor of Team Tango 2-1.
Enthusiasts of all ages seized the opportunity to witness their revered past heroes grace on the pitch, setting the stage ahead of Thursday's Copa America draw slated for 2024 in the United States.
Notable figures, such as FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the CONMEBOL President Alejandro DomÃnguez, and the surprise guest eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, known for his astounding sprint record of 9.58 seconds at the 100-meter dash, showcased their talents on the football pitch.
The lineup for Team Tango boasted football stars such as Maxi RodrÃguez, Javier Zanetti, and Carlos ‘El Pibe’ Valderrama, while Team Samba featured players like Dida, Lucio, Iván Zamorano, and Jorge Campos.
The game started slow as both teams went back and forth, putting on a show with a few tricks from the magician Ronaldinho, who is still cheering up fans.
In the 39-minute before the half, Team Samba took the early advantage, 1-0, on a crossed penalty by Ronaldinho, sending the renowned Paraguayan goalkeeper, Justo Villar, who dove towards the left post when Dinho shot to the right post and found the net.
However, Team Tango responded early in the second half, leveling the scoreline 1-1 in the 46-minute through a penalty converted by Gonzalo HiguaÃn, who is familiar with the Inter Miami CF pitch.
Minutes later, he struck again, marking his second penalty goal of the night to seal the victory for Team Tango 2-1.
Team Samba had their opportunity to equalize with Carlos Salcido after a through pass from 'Mago' Valdivia, which the Mexican shot and hit the near post.
The Conmebol Leyendas match ended in a 2-1 victory for Team Tango over Team Samba, leaving enthusiasts appreciative of seeing their football legends.
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