FIFA World Cup 2026: Archbishop invokes Messi's words ahead of Switzerland clash
Buenos Aires, July 10
Lionel Messi's words of unity resonated inside Buenos Aires Cathedral on Thursday as Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva invoked the Argentina captain's message during a Mass celebrating the country's Independence Day, with the national team preparing for their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland.
Garcia Cuerva recalled Messi's message following Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, using the captain's words as a reminder of unity and togetherness during a ceremony attended by Argentine President Javier Milei, as per Reuters.
"Let us keep our shirts on, and with passion, let us bring to life the message that Lionel Messi once posted on his social media," Garcia Cuerva said during the service before reading the words the talismanic forward wrote four years ago.
"When we Argentines fight together and stand united, we are capable of achieving whatever we set our minds to," Messi said.
Argentina celebrates Independence Day every year on July 9, commemorating the declaration of independence from the Spanish Monarchy by the Congress of Tucuman in 1816.
The historic declaration was signed in the northern city of San Miguel de Tucuman at the home of Francisca Bazan de Laguna, now preserved as the Casa Historica de la Independencia museum.
The day is observed across the country with military parades, official ceremonies, cultural events and traditional cuisine, while citizens proudly display the nation's iconic light blue and white colours.
The President of Argentina traditionally attends commemorative events in Tucuman, while Buenos Aires' famous Avenida 9 de Julio regarded as the world's widest avenue stands as a lasting tribute to the historic date.
The reference came two days after Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt, overturning a 2-0 deficit to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Messi, 39, is competing in his sixth consecutive World Cup and has scored in all five of Argentina's matches so far, leading the tournament's Golden Boot race with eight goals.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's wonderful to see faith and sport coming together like this. The Church often feels distant from everyday life, but referencing Messi's words makes the message relatable. But I hope they focus more on the actual game rather than just ceremony. Switzerland 2014 still haunts Argentina. 🤞
Messi at 39 and still dominating. That eight-goal tally is insane. 🇦🇷 Respect from India—we know what it means to have a sporting icon who unites the nation. Unlike some of our politicians who divide for votes. Hope Argentina goes all the way.
Argentina's Independence Day history is fascinating. The Casa Historica de la Independencia sounds like a must-visit. And tying that celebration to football is pure Argentina. India could learn from how they blend culture and sport to inspire people. BTW, Messi's shirt-off celebrations are legendary. 🔥
Fair play to the Archbishop for using Messi's words. But honestly, bringing politics into it (the President attending) makes me uneasy. Sport should stay above that. Still, Argentina's comeback against Egypt shows real character. Let's see if they can handle Switzerland's discipline. 🇨🇭⚽
That 3-2 comeback win shows Argentina's never-say-die attitude. Reminds me of India's 1983 World Cup win or our hockey comebacks. Messi's leadership is unreal. Hope the team doesn't get too distracted by all the ceremonial stuff. Focus on the pitch! 🇦🇷💪
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