Lionel Messi celebrates 39th birthday as Argentina dominate World Cup group

Argentina marked Lionel Messi’s 39th birthday with nationwide celebrations, including crowds singing “Happy Birthday” at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires and a social‑media campaign by Telefé. The Argentina Football Association posted photos of the squad cutting a birthday cake, while fans praised Messi’s record‑breaking World Cup performance – five goals in two matches, making him the all‑time leading scorer in the tournament.

Ahead of their final Group J game against Jordan, coach Lionel Scaloni said the team may rotate the lineup and rest Messi, who has been dealing with a recent muscle strain. Argentina entered the match top of the group after 3‑0 and 2‑0 victories over Algeria and Austria, both highlighted by Messi’s hat‑trick and brace.

Messi’s milestone and the team’s success have sparked widespread public enthusiasm across Argentina and among global supporters.