Teammates surprise Messi on birthday
US: Lionel Messi celebrate 39th birthday during World Cup 2026 with party at base in Kansas City, receive special gift from teammates night June 24.
This fifth time Messi celebrate birthday during World Cup, after 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018. He also play 2022 edition, but then held November and December.
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Argentina teammates celebrate Messi birthday (third from left) 0:00 June 24, 2026 in Kansas City, US. Photo: IG/LeoMessi
Teammates surprise Messi starting midnight. Striker born 1987 get cake, blow candles with team in warm atmosphere. On social media, Messi post photo with Rodrigo De Paul, Lisandro Martinez, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Giovani Lo Celso, long-time staff Marito Di Stefano, write: "Last night start with beautiful surprise. Thank you everyone".
Afternoon, Argentina team give captain more meaningful gift. Photo shared by De Paul show all team members wear custom shirts celebrate Messi birthday. Front of shirt show photo of Messi with each player, text: "Happy Birthday Leo".
Emotional message on back: "To one who change our lives, give us unforgettable moments, make us believe dreams real. Best thing not see you, but live with you. Happy birthday captain, we love you."
Argentina team wear uniform celebrate Messi 39th birthday. Photo: IG/RodriDePaul
39th birthday of Messi come as he write new milestones at World Cup 2026. Argentina superstar score most goals in tournament history (18 goals), lead team defend title.
Besides wishes from teammates, Messi receive tributes from football world. Argentine Football Association post: "Be happy Leo, happier than way you bring us joy."
Association President Claudio Tapia thank Messi for "every tear, every hug, every immortal moment".
Many organizations, former clubs send wishes. Barca call him symbol of greatness. PSG, Inter Miami, Newell's Old Boys, FIFA, UEFA Champions League, CONMEBOL dedicate posts to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Celebrate birthday during major tournament familiar to Messi. Since turn 17 in 2004, most birthdays happen during duty with Argentina or club.
First time Messi celebrate birthday at World Cup in Germany 2006, age 19. Four years later in South Africa, Juan Sebastian Veron first congratulate Messi at midnight. Brazil 2014, Messi say perfect birthday gift World Cup trophy, though Argentina lose final.
Russia 2018, he get giant cake during team internal drama. This year in US, Messi blow candles in blue-white shirt, still Argentina biggest hope.
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