Today marks a very special day in world football. On this date – June 24 – in 1987, Lionel Messi was born. Friday sees the Argentine superstar celebrate his 29th birthday, having become one of the most revered football players in history.
La Pulga, despite being an active player, is hailed as a legend at Barcelona – the only club he has ever played for in his professional career. The reason is simple: he has racked up 531 appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring 453 goals along the way.
Happy birthday #LionelMessi! #Messi #Argentina#CopaAmericaCentenario #ARGvCHI #FCB pic.twitter.com/qYRHOXITvo
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) June 24, 2016
The man who has won a unprecedented five Ballon d’Or titles has helped the Catalan giants to 28 major titles, and has become the all-time record goalscorer at Barcelona and La Liga.
Leo Messi is... #Messi29 https://t.co/2OlBH12qbD
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 24, 2016
Happy birthday legend and King of football
— Iriësta Kramawitana (@IKramawitana) June 24, 2016
May your wishes come true#Messi29 pic.twitter.com/nKxPEFMm98
The greatest of all time is not only an example as a player but also as a human being. #Messi29 pic.twitter.com/Y5ANCiFb34
— AllthingsMessi (@AllThingsMessi) June 24, 2016
The moment that change football history forever. #Messi29 pic.twitter.com/kKaJeUYMN0
— YasserTheGreat (@TheBarcaFanBoy) June 24, 2016
Best player of all time. #Messi29 pic.twitter.com/QYFeOqlYIz
— #MorataOUT (@SRexhepos) June 24, 2016
Happy birthday to the best ever, the one that makes football fun to watch.
— Anoudiii (@ASherkawi) June 24, 2016
#Messi29 pic.twitter.com/66hr9Lf7uf
A very happy birthday to one of the greatest of all time. #Messi29 pic.twitter.com/nhwmE9zK0h
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) June 24, 2016
Started from the bottom, now he's here.#Messi29 pic.twitter.com/uqSAXmCBMM
— Neymar Jr. (@NeyMarvellous) June 24, 2016
Happy Birthday to the greatest ever footballer... probably the greatest we'll ever see. #Messi29 pic.twitter.com/Jy4BbBEq55
— Barça Lens (@BarcaLens) June 24, 2016
Messi also holds the record of most goals with the national side, having surpassed the all-time record previously held by Gabriel Batistuta (54 goals) when Leo curved in his 55th strike for La Albiceleste courtesy of a lovely free-kick goal.
The Barca man is currently with the national side, as Gerardo Martino’s boys continue their campaign in Copa America Centenario. FIFA’s number one ranked side have cruised their way to the final, setting up a rematch with Chile after beating the hosts 4-0 in the semi-final.
Although Messi has enjoyed tremendous success with the Blaugrana, he hasn’t been able to deliver silverware for Argentina. The 29-year-old helped his country to two consecutive finals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 Copa America, but lost both. Monday’s final will be a golden opportunity for Leo to finally win a trophy with Argentina, and cement his place as one of the best.
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