KANSAS CITY.- Argentina and the entire football planet pays a heartfelt “thank you for so much” to Lionel Messi this Wednesday, when he celebrates 39 years enjoying his total love affair with the World Cup.
Reconciled with the tournament of his greatest bitterness, the Albiceleste star is now their all-time top scorer and has not stopped scoring in his last six games.
The streak began in Qatar 2022where he won the trophy that rounded off his legendary record, and continues in this edition of North Americawithout any other figure having shone or scored more than him.
Messi is determined to give Argentina a second title in a row, something not seen since Brazil in 1962, and for this he has been in charge of scoring his team’s five goals in the first two victories against Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0).
Argentina is assured of group leadership, but its insatiable captain will probably also have minutes on Saturday’s final date against Jordan in Arlington (dallas).
Before continuing to chase records, this Wednesday he will receive the gratitude of compatriots and football lovers, amazed that the Argentine star has once again surprised them with his extraordinary longevity.
“The recognition is as simple as it is absolute: thank you for so much football, for so much example and for so much national pride,” wrote the Argentine Football Association in his early congratulations.
Private celebration
Born on June 24, 1987 in Italian Hospital of RosarioMessi long ago got used to his birthdays finding him competing and away from his family.
Since his victory in U-20 World Cup from 2005 in Netherlandsthe striker has spent a dozen anniversaries concentrating with his team.
The last occasion was in Copa America 2024with a private celebration and without personalism. Messi asked to share the cake and candles with the cooks Antonia Faríasone of the first people to hug him after the victory in Qatar, and Diego Iacovonewho is in charge of the barbecues that make the world champions feel at home.
That night, on the eve of a group stage match against Chilia group of fans appeared in front of the hotel East Rutherford (New Jersey) to sing happy birthday to Messi.
The star thanked them for the gesture by waving from a window while pieces of birthday cake were distributed to the fans.
This Wednesday a private celebration was also planned at the concentration of Kansas City after the training that the men of Lionel Scaloni They will take place at 6:00 p.m. local.
“It would be asking too much”
In addition to his teammates, the player’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzoand his three children have also accompanied him in the first two World Cup matches.
With this support, Messi has endured a few days that he called “difficult” due to his father’s health problems and the intense rumor mill around him.
The speculation, which reached the point of spreading false news of his death, stopped when the family announced that Jorge Messi He was under medical care, but was progressing favorably.
With the liberating triumph of Qatar, Messi feels the debt that football owed him has been settled and he does not dare ask for a second crown as a birthday gift.
“The truth is that it would be asking too much, what he gave me is already more than enough,” he said after the victory against Austria.
“What we have to do today is enjoy and try again with this group that always competes,” added the “Ten” who, to make his determination clear, the first thing he did on his birthday was post a video with his demanding gym routine.
