No conversation about football's greatest names goes far without landing on Lionel Messi. Born on June 24, the Argentine icon has not only rewritten record books but also won over millions of hearts with his play. As a child he battled a growth hormone condition, yet he never let go of his dreams, turning hardship into one of the sport's most remarkable stories. That is why, to fans, he is far more than just a player.
On Wednesday that same Messi celebrated his 39th birthday, and the timing could hardly have been better. He has already scored five goals in two matches at the current World Cup. Argentina, having won both of its opening games, has already booked a place in the knockout round. Along the way, Messi has also become the highest goal scorer in World Cup history.
His Sixth World Cup, Fifth Birthday During a Tournament
Messi marked the day with his teammates at Argentina's training center in Kansas City, Missouri. This is his sixth World Cup, and the fifth time his birthday has fallen during a tournament. The only exception was the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which was played in November and December.
So far in this tournament, every Argentine goal has come from Messi alone. He struck three times in the opening win over Algeria and added two more in the victory against Austria.
A Shirt Carrying the Captain's Photo
Messi shared a photo on social media of himself enjoying cake with some of his teammates. The cake came from a Kansas City bakery called Pan Caliente, run by an Argentine pastry chef. In another picture, the Argentina players posed with Messi, all of them wearing matching T-shirts printed with a personal photo of them with their captain.
According to a social media post by forward Julian Alvarez, the shirt read: ‘To the man who changed our lives, gave us unforgettable moments and made us believe that dreams can come true. Happy birthday, captain. We love you. May you always be happy.’
