Nationwide Birthday Tribute Planned for Messi

A social media campaign under the hashtag #CumpleLeo has gained traction, encouraging Argentines to sing “Happy Birthday” to Lionel Messi at 10 a.m. and again at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, the day of his 39th birthday. The initiative was launched by popular television news anchor Rodolfo Barili, one of Argentina’s best-known broadcasters.

“What if this Wednesday we all sing happy birthday to the captain?” Barili said while presenting the campaign. “Let’s do it in classrooms, at work, on the bus — wherever we are.” Organizers are also asking participants to record and share their renditions on social media using the hashtag, in the hope that messages from across the country will reach the Argentine star.

“We’re opening this up to everyone,” Barili said. “Let’s make it massive and give him the support he deserves right now.”

Personal Challenges and Father’s Health

The campaign comes after a difficult period for Messi. Following Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, when many were surprised to see the captain crying after scoring his first goal, the forward acknowledged he had been dealing with personal challenges. It later emerged that his father, Jorge Messi, had been experiencing health problems.

False reports about Jorge Messi’s death circulated online, and a famous streaming program even announced it live on air, prompting his family to issue a statement denying the rumors and asking for privacy. According to the statement, Jorge Messi’s health was improving, and Argentine outlets reported on Tuesday he is now out of the hospital and back in the family’s home in Rosario, Santa Fe.

Messi’s Performance and Birthday Goals

Messi has continued to shine on the field despite his recent personal challenges. In Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, Messi scored a hat trick, bringing his World Cup goal tally to five in the opening matches. He is now sharing the record of most World Cup goals with Miroslav Klose, with 16 goals to his name. Messi aims to surpass Klose ahead of Argentina’s match against Austria, which begins at 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT).

“There are no words for Leo. There’s no point comparing him because he’s alone at the top,” said Lisandro Martinez after Messi netted twice against Austria. “All that’s left is to enjoy him. I’m incredibly proud to have him by my side and for him to be Argentine. We have to appreciate him.”

For his part, Messi revealed he is focused more on enjoying his game rather than chasing statistics. “I don’t like statistics; today everything is about that,” Messi said in a 2025 interview. “I like to be very involved in the game.”

Meanwhile, Messi’s family recently celebrated the 13th birthday of his son, Thiago, with a Barcelona-themed party. The celebration featured a Barça-themed cake in the shape of the Spotify Camp Nou stadium, inflatable decorations with the club’s logo, and even a football match with family and friends. Thiago wore the third kit of the 2024/25 season and a Barcelona jersey with his name and the number 13.

“It was a very emotional moment for us,” said Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi’s partner, who shared the celebration on Instagram. “The Barça theme was chosen to honor the club that was such an important part of our lives.”