Argentina and the entire football world are paying heartfelt tribute this Wednesday to Lionel Messi, who celebrates his 39th birthday revelling in his love affair with the World Cup.
Reconciled with the tournament that once brought him his greatest heartaches, the Albiceleste superstar is now its all-time leading scorer and has found the net in each of his last six matches at the tournament.
That run began at Qatar 2022, where he lifted the trophy that completed his legendary collection of honours. It has continued at this North American edition, with no other player having shone or scored more than him to date.
Messi is determined to deliver Argentina a second consecutive title – something not seen since Brazil's triumph in 1962 – and took it upon himself to score all five of his side's goals across their opening two victories against Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0).
Argentina have already secured top spot in the group, but their insatiable captain will likely also get minutes in Saturday's final group-stage match against Jordan in Arlington, Dallas.
Before getting back to chasing records, this Wednesday he will receive the gratitude of compatriots and football lovers alike, all marvelling that the Argentine great has once again surprised them with his extraordinary longevity.
"The recognition is as simple as it is total: thank you for so much football, for so much example, and for so much national pride," the Argentine Football Association wrote in an early birthday message.
Private celebration
Born on June 24, 1987, at the Hospital Italiano in Rosario, Messi has long grown accustomed to spending his birthdays competing and away from his family.
Since his triumph at the 2005 Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, the forward has spent a dozen birthdays on international duty.
The most recent occasion came at Copa América 2024, with a private celebration and no fuss. Messi asked to share the cake and candles with the cooks Antonia Farías – one of the first people to embrace him after the victory in Qatar – and Diego Iacovone, who is in charge of the barbecues that make the world champions feel at home.
That evening, on the eve of a group-stage match against Chile, a group of supporters gathered outside the team hotel in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to sing happy birthday to Messi. The star thanked them with a wave from a window while slices of birthday cake were handed out to fans below.
A private celebration at the team's Kansas City base was also planned for this Wednesday, following a training session Lionel Scaloni's men were due to hold at 6pm local time (11pm GMT).
'It would be asking for too much'
As well as his teammates, Messi's wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, and their three children have also been with him for both of his World Cup matches so far.
With that support around him, Messi has navigated what he described as "difficult" days, between his father's health problems and the intense rumours swirling around him.
The speculation reached the point where a false report of his death began circulating online, before the family confirmed that Jorge Messi was receiving medical care and making a favourable recovery.
With the liberation of Qatar behind him, Messi feels football's debt to him has been settled, and he does not dare ask for a second title as a birthday present.
"The truth is that would be asking for too much – what it has already given me is more than enough," he said after the win against Austria.
"What matters today is to enjoy it and try again with this group that always competes," added the No.10 – who, as if make his determination plain, marked his birthday first by posting a video of his gruelling gym session.
related news
by Guillermo Barros, AFP
