Argentina erupted in song on Tuesday as Lionel Messi turned 39, with streets from Buenos Aires to the interior filled with fans chanting "Happy Birthday" in unison. The celebration was amplified by a Telefé campaign that prompted citizens to sing at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time, turning the day into a nationwide chorus.
A Birthday Anthem Across the Country
Groups of friends, schoolchildren, shop employees and neighbors gathered in plazas, stadiums and even outside a car dealership in Buenos Aires to mark the occasion. At the iconic Obelisk in downtown Buenos Aires, crowds formed a spontaneous choir, while 71‑year‑old Rubén Acosta, watching from his home, called Messi "an alien from another galaxy" and praised his impact on the nation.
The festivities reached the political sphere when President Javier Milei posted a birthday greeting on his X account, extending both personal wishes and a broader endorsement of Messi’s contribution to Argentina’s global standing. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also took to social media to wish Messi a happy birthday, underscoring the deep respect he commands within the sport.
Beyond the celebrations, Messi’s sporting milestone added a historic layer to the day. Earlier in the week he became the all‑time leading scorer in World Cup history, a record that now stands at five goals across just two tournament matches. The achievement has been celebrated not only by fans but also by media outlets such as Reuters, which highlighted the significance of his record‑breaking performances.