Leo Messi turns 39 while leading Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. Coach Lionel Scaloni shares a personal wish for his star player. Argentina faces Austria tonight, aiming to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Leo Messi will celebrate his 39th birthday on June 24, right in the midst of Argentina's World Cup campaign. Despite his age, Messi remains the central figure for the national team, having delivered a standout performance with a hat trick against Algeria in the opening match. That achievement allowed him to equal Miroslav Klose's record, making Messi the joint top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.
As has often been the case, Messi's birthday coincides with international duty, meaning celebrations take place within the team's training camp. This year is no exception, with Argentina focused on advancing in the tournament. Coach Lionel Scaloni, who has shared many years with Messi both as a teammate and now as manager, addressed the media about his hopes for the star forward on this milestone birthday. Scaloni emphasized that above all, he wishes Messi happiness, a sentiment that drew laughter from journalists expecting a more conventional answer about titles or records.
Argentina is set to play its second group match this evening at 19:00 against Austria. A win would put the team in a strong position to progress to the round of 16. Should Argentina finish first in their group, they will face the runner-up from Group H, which includes Spain, in the next stage.
Messi's continued impact at the highest level is notable, especially as he approaches his fourth decade. His presence and performance remain crucial for Argentina's ambitions in the tournament. The World Cup, held every four years, often sees veteran players making significant contributions, but few have matched Messi's consistency and influence over such a long period. According to FIFA records, only a handful of players have scored in as many consecutive tournaments. The 2026 edition is being hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, bringing together 48 teams for the first time in history. For Argentina, the focus remains on securing another title, but for Messi, this birthday is marked by both personal milestones and the ongoing pursuit of collective success.
