June 24 is San Juan but it's also an important date for Barcelona fans: It's Lionel Messi's birthday. The Argentina star turned 33 on Wednesday and it's the first time in a long time that he's been able to celebrate it with his teammates, given he's usually on holiday or with the national team during the summer.
Messi helped set up the winning goal on Tuesday, his birthday eve, as Ivan Rakitic's strike sealed a 1-0 win against Athletic Club at Camp Nou. He then trained with his teammates on Wednesday ahead of the weekend trip to Celta Vigo.
Barça wanted to congratulate Messi for turning another year older, sharing a montage of photographs on social media, edited to make them seem like cartoons. "A special day. A unique player. Congratulations, Leo!" read the text, published in three languages (English, Spanish and Catalan).
Messi has been inundated with messages from fans, teammates and friends on social media. Many media outlets have also wished him well, especially in his homeland, where his life began 33 years ago in Rosario on June 24, 1987, when Horacio Messi and Celia María Cuccittini had their third child. He was named Lionel. A star was born.
raynknight
498
24 June must be officially renamed as 'The Lionel Messi Day'.
Barcastadz2103
235
Happy World Football Day Dear Afers