Surya Wijaya: Meet the Indonesian Fan Who Owns 200 Messi Shirts From the Beginning of His Career

• Lionel Messi has built a cult following throughout his career
• On Saturday, June 24, as Messi celebrated his 36th birthday, heartfelt well-wishes poured in from all corners of the globe
• His career has seen him play for Barcelona, PSG and now Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's enchanting style of football, which has defined his illustrious career, has earned him a devoted global fanbase.

It is hardly surprising that passionate supporters are willing to go above and beyond to demonstrate their unwavering admiration for the Argentine maestro.

This dedication has been showcased through acts such as invading the pitch or proudly donning jerseys adorned with Messi's name and brand.

Among these ardent fans is Surya Wijaya Ang, who has been following the journey of the former PSG star, now 36 years old as of Saturday, June 26, since the very beginning of his career.

Ang's unwavering support exemplifies the deep connection and loyalty that Messi has forged with his fans worldwide.

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Football

Ang owns 200 Messi shirts

Wijaya Ang revealed that he dedicated a considerable portion of his resources to collecting Messi shirts, starting from the early stages of the Argentine's career when he wore the No.30 jersey at Barcelona.

"I have 200 to have the collection of shirts that I have today. I spent a lot of money and time in the last 11 years of my life," Wijaya explained, as quoted by All Football.

"Many people tell me that I'm really crazy about having this hobby, but I tell them that it's my life and my passion.

Additionally, he shared the remarkable feat of amassing an impressive collection of 200 shirts belonging to the legendary seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"I bought some of them in stores here in Indonesia, but most of them I bought on the web, and they sent them to me. They are all original shirts, but I don't have any that Messi has worn in a match."

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Messi breaks superfan's heart

Despite going the extra mile to showcase his passion for Messi, the 31-year-old fan, who is also a shop owner, experienced disappointment when Lionel Messi was granted permission to miss international duty during Argentina's recent friendly match against Indonesia, Ang's home nation.

"I'm feeling sad and disappointed, mixed emotions," Ang told AFP as quoted by Yahoo Sports from the remote island of Banda Neira in the eastern province of Maluku.

"This was the biggest chance for me to see Messi play in person."

Messi celebrates birthday with ride

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is living his best life as he celebrates his 36th birthday on Saturday, June 24.

And on his special day, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star decided to wind with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo, 35, and their three sons Thiago, 11, Mateo, 8, and Ciro, 5.

According to the Sun, a video captured from a passing car showed Messi and his family cycling on their bikes around the streets.