"Football has become the most beloved sport thanks to you": Infantino addresses Messi
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed Argentina national team forward Lionel Messi.
“Seeing you play football has always been one of the greatest privileges of this sport, dear Lionel Messi. On the field you make the impossible possible and unite the whole world in admiration of your talent. I send you warm hugs. Thank you for everything you have done so that football has become the most beloved sport on planet Earth. I wish you a happy birthday and further success in one of the last matches of the group stage of this World Cup, where you will defend the title you won in Qatar four years ago with your national team. You continue to give passion for football to millions of people around the world like no one else,” Infantino wrote on his social media page.
On June 24, Lionel Messi turned 39 years old. At the 2026 World Cup, the forward scored five goals. The footballer scored a hat-trick in the match against Algeria (3:0) and a brace in the game against Austria (2:0).
