Football ‘Messi'ah turns 37

Argentina captain Lionel Messi turns 37 today. The ‘GOAT’ of football is currently leading his team in the Copa America campaign. At the club level, Messi is enjoying his stint at Inter Miami CF. Despite nearing the end of a fabulous career, Messi, the soccer ‘Messiah’ has hardly lost his magical touch.

"Cherish and relish him while you can," renowned British sports commentator Peter Drury once said about Messi. Lionel Messi's illustrious career began at Newell's Old Boys in Argentina before he made Barcelona his 'home' at just 13 years old. 

Despite spending most of his life in Spain, Messi's love and dedication to Argentina has always remained steadfast. Messi holds numerous records for Argentina; he is the team’s all-time top scorer with over 100 goals, he also holds the records of maximum assists and is also the player to have played the maximum number of matches for his country. 

His journey as Argentina's hero began with victories at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and the 2008 Summer Olympics, where he became the youngest player to score in a World Cup during the 2006 tournament. However, Messi faced heartbreak in Argentine colours, notably in finals such as the 2007 Copa America and subsequent appearances in the 2011 World Cup and the 2014 and 2016 Copa Americas. Despite his efforts, late losses in extra time and penalties denied him and Argentina major trophies. 

After announcing his retirement from international football following the 2016 Copa America, Messi returned and led Argentina to the 2018 World Cup. In 2021, Messi and Argentina finally received the recognition they deserved. They clinched the 2021 Copa America title by defeating Brazil in a dominating final display, ending a 28-year wait for a major trophy since their 1993 Copa America triumph. They followed this with the 'Finalissma' trophy, triumphing over Italy in a clash of continental champions. 

Diego Maradona once proclaimed Messi as his successor in Argentine football, acknowledging his genius on the field. Despite criticism for not replicating his club success with Barcelona at the international level, Messi's contributions to Argentina cannot be understated. He earned accolades such as the Golden Ball at the 2008 Olympics, the 2014 World Cup, and the 2015 and 2021 Copa Americas, as well as the Golden Boots at the 2008 Olympics and the 2021 Copa America. With eight Ballon d'Or titles, Messi is definitely the most decorated player in the history of football. 

His team’s triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar is considered the most significant achievement of his illustrious career. As the world celebrates their favourite footballer’s birthday, let’s recall the famous commentary, "Messi, just give it to him and pray," those words encapsulate hope, optimism, hope and affection associated with the wonder man of football.