Messi shows the intimacy of his birthday: “It’s beautiful to go out and compete against anyone knowing I have you by my side”

Lionel Messi marked his 39th birthday with his teammates during the 2026 World Cup training camp, a celebration that quickly garnered attention on social media. Adidas orchestrated a unique tribute, with each of the 25 players in the squad wearing a custom t-shirt featuring a personal photograph alongside the captain.

The celebration unfolded in a video, beginning with the players heading to the dining area, each sporting their personalized shirts. Adidas captioned each image with "Happy Birthday Leo!" The back of each garment also bore a heartfelt message for the Argentine captain. One such dedication from the sportswear brand read, "To you who changed our lives, who gave us unforgettable moments, who made us believe that dreams are possible... The best wasn't seeing it, it was living it with you! Happy birthday captain, we love you. May you be immensely happy!"

As the video progressed, players were shown with their special photos with Messi, including close teammates like Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás Otamendi, as well as younger players such as Nicolás Paz and José Manuel López. Upon entering the dining hall, Messi received greetings from everyone, from his fellow players to the coaching staff and even the AFA cooks. Notably, he shared his birthday with Diego Iacovone and Antonia Farías, who also celebrate their birthdays on June 24.

Reflecting on his career, Messi recalled his beginnings, stating, "12 years together." This remark likely referred to the number of times he has celebrated with the senior squad, in addition to his experience at the 2005 U-20 World Cup. Messi also shared a personal message on Instagram, expressing his deep emotion: "Thank you to my country and to the whole world for so many greetings. Every year you outdo yourselves and move me more." He extended thanks to his family and friends for their constant support and to his teammates for the special gift. "It is an enormous pleasure to live all this and to be able to share it with you. It is a beautiful thing to go out and compete against anyone knowing that I have you by my side. Thank you, big hug!" he concluded, looking forward to future competitions.