Argentine Fans Serenade Lionel Messi, Riquelme With Special Birthday Song

• Lionel Messi celebrated his 36th birthday on Saturday
• The forward celebrated alongside Juan Roman Riquelme with whom they share birthdates
• Both Argentine stars were treated to birthday songs by Boca Juniors fans “La Bombonera”

Lionel Messi marked his 36th birthday in a memorable way, as the World Cup-winning player featured in a game for his Argentinian club Newell's Old Boys.

The game honoured his teammate Maxi Rodriguez’s last international game. Before the match, the crowd at Rosario Stadium welcomed Messi at his home ground in an elegant way, and the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner didn’t disappoint the audience by taking a stunning free-kick to open the scoring.

It was an emotional return for the number 10, as Messi had started his career with Newell old boys.

The Rosario crowd even sang Messi the happy birthday song and the superstar said that it felt special to spend a birthday in Rosario.

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Taking into cognisance this is the city where Messi lived as a child before joining Barcelona’s soccer academy in his teenage years.

Messi on his new club

Messi, who led Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in December last year, is all set to join his new club in the MLS.

The 36-year-old spoke to Argentinian Public Television and as quoted by AS said that he’s very excited about his new journey.

“There will be a few days of vacation and then I will start in my new city, my new club (Inter Miami), I am very excited,” said Lionel Messi.

Messi at Maxi Rodríguez’s farewell

The Argentine forward also participated in former teammates Maxi Rodriguez and Juan Roman Riquelme’s farewell parties. Both have played for the Argentine national team.

“It is a very nice feeling to have been able to be at Riquelme’s testimonial, with all that he means for football in Argentina, what he means to Boca, to be once again in ‘La Bombonera’,” said Messi as quoted by Diaro AS.

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As for Juan Román Riquelme’s farewell, Lionel Messi was the captain of the Argentina National Team XI that played against a Boca Juniors XI.

Argentina’s star player scored in the 4-2 victory for the Argentina XI. During the second half, Messi hugged Riquelme and said goodbye.

Moreover, while leaving the pitch, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner handed the captain’s armband to Kily González and gave his place to Javier Saviola. Messi also met Alfio Basile and José Néstor Pékerman on the bench.

PSG sends Messi birthday wish

Sports Brief earlier reported Messi’s 36th birthday did not go unnoticed in Paris Saint-Germain despite the Argentine’s decision to leave the club this summer after two seasons.

PSG did put aside their differences with Messi by wishing him a happy 36th birthday with a special video on Twitter to celebrate the Argentina superstar.