‘Baap of football’- Fans react as Lionel Messi celebrates his 36th birthday

On June 24 every year, we celebrate the birth of Lionel Messi, one of the finest and greatest footballers to ever play the game. He was born in Rosario Santa Fe, Argentina, and his remarkable talent, unrivaled skill, and undying dedication have engraved his name in the books of football history. The former Barcelona man celebrates his 36th birthday today. The Argentine star has a vast global fan base and is frequently hailed as the ‘Greatest of All Time’ (GOAT).

Wishes for the seven-time Ballon D’or winner as he turned 36 have come in from all sides, and one of these included a fascinating collection of photographs of the FIFA World Cup 2022 champion. He and Cristiano Ronaldo are regarded as the greatest rivalry in football history.

Lionel Messi’s record

Messi’s unstoppable form in 2012 also saw him establish a record for the most goals in a single calendar year, with 91: 79 for Barcelona and 12 for Argentina. He also owns the Champions League records for the most overall goals scored in the round of 16 (29), as well as the most goals scored in the group stage (80). Messi is Argentina’s first player to reach 100 goals. On March 28 this year, he reached the century milestone in a friendly match against Curaçao. In fact, he did in style by notching a hat trick in the 7-0 win.

The football god smiled on Messi in 2021, when he led Argentina to win the Copa America, breaking the country’s 28-year title drought. This monumental victory cemented his legacy and put to rest any remaining questions about his capacity to compete in the international arena. The Argentine has 43 club and international major awards to his name, only three short of former Barcelona colleague Dani Alves’ record haul of 46. For Barcelona, he scored 672 goals and assisted 269. He is also the only player to have twice received the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball honor.

Messi is also the first South American male player to reach 100 goals, and the second South American overall, trailing only Brazil’s Marta, who has 109.

Here’s how fans reacted

He is

— Goal.com (@GoalDOT) June 22, 2023

Yep

— Goal.com (@GoalDOT) June 23, 2023

21 not 12

— arvinolamide (@arvinolamide2) June 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/zoominsenthil/status/1672355344083988480?s=20

https://twitter.com/dice_237/status/1672349435697807361?s=20

https://twitter.com/Tafflow/status/1672428088083329026?s=20

Happy birthday to the God Of Football

— Maccel Boss (@MaccelBoss) June 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/authi_eSharp21/status/1672326522126888963?s=20