Messi turns 39: Argentine Football Association pays tribute to football icon
Buenos Aires, June 24
The Argentine Football Association has extended its warm wishes to legendary forward and captain Lionel Messi on his 39th birthday, as he continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
Born on June 24, 1987, at the Italian Hospital Garibaldi in Rosario, Santa Fe, Messi marks another year at the peak of his career while remaining a central figure for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, where he has continued to set new records and further strengthen a legacy that spans generations.
Wearing the iconic sky-blue and white jersey, Messi's international journey has been defined by landmark achievements, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph in 2005, the Olympic gold medal at Beijing 2008, and a golden era with the senior team highlighted by the 2021 Copa America win, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar, and the 2024 Copa America title in the United States.
In the ongoing 2026 World Cup, Messi has once again been at the forefront, achieving new milestones that reinforce his position as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history and adding further weight to his list of tournament records.
At club level, his professional career began in 2004 when he debuted for Barcelona at the age of 17. Over a glittering spell at the Spanish giants, he played 778 matches and scored 672 goals, winning 35 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles along with multiple domestic league and cup honours.
He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before continuing his career at Inter Miami in the United States, where he remains a key global ambassador for the sport while extending his playing legacy.
At 39, Messi continues to redefine longevity and excellence in modern football, with the Argentine Football Association's tribute reflecting gratitude for his immense contribution to the national team and the sport as a whole.
All his titles till now:
Argentina National Team:2005: U-20 World Cup2008: Beijing Olympic Games2021: Copa America2022: Finalissima2022: World Cup2024: Copa America
Barcelona:2005: LaLiga2005: Spanish Super Cup2006: LaLiga 2006: Spanish Super Cup2006: Champions League2009: LaLiga2009: Copa del Rey2009: Spanish Super Cup2009: Champions League2009: UEFA Super Cup2009: Club World Cup2010: LaLiga2010: Spanish Super Cup2011: LaLiga2011: Spanish Super Cup2011: Champions League2011: UEFA Super Cup2011: Club World Cup2012: Copa del Rey 2013: LaLiga2013: Spanish Super Cup2015: LaLiga2015: Copa del Rey2015: Champions League2015: UEFA Super Cup2015: FIFA Club World Cup2016: LaLiga2016: Copa del Rey2016: Spanish Super Cup2017: Copa del Rey2018: LaLiga2018: Copa del Rey2018: Spanish Super Cup2019: LaLiga2021: Copa del Rey
Paris Saint-Germain:2022: Ligue 12022: French Super Cup2023: Ligue 1
Inter Miami:2023: Leagues Cup2024: Supporters' Shield2025: MLS Cup.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Incredible longevity. From Barcelona to PSG to Inter Miami, Messi has proven that class is permanent. His 2022 World Cup win was the perfect capstone to an already legendary career. Happy birthday to the little magician!
39 and still going strong! As an Indian football fan, I wish we had someone half as dedicated as Messi. His humility despite being the best is what sets him apart. Argentina truly blessed to have him. 🇦🇷❤️
Happy birthday to the greatest footballer of all time! But let's be honest - at 39, his pace has dropped noticeably in this World Cup. Still, his football IQ and passing are unmatched. Argentina should plan for life after Messi too.
What a career! 35 trophies and counting. The way he single-handedly carried Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 was something I'll tell my kids about. Happy 39th, Leo - you've made football beautiful! ✨🏆
From Rosario to the world - Messi has inspired millions in India too. His journey from a small boy with growth hormone deficiency to a World Cup winner is pure inspiration. Happy birthday, legend! 🎂🎉
M Michael C