Messi skips birthday celebration for Eagles’ showdown
Argentina’s best player and arguably world best, Lionel Messi turned 31 on Sunday (today).
The Barcelona hero chose to train with his national team squad on his birthday as they prepare for the June 26th showdown against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The two countries will slug it out in the final group match that will make or mar their fate of progressing to the second round of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Messi was full of life during training on Sunday morning as he jettisoned partying, probably knowing how crucial their encounter with the Nigerian side is in the light of the country’s position in Group D.
However, the intensive training which lasted for hours did not end without special congratulatory messages from Argentina manager, Jorge Sampaoli, Sergio Aguero and teammates.
Though Messi has not scored a goal in this tournament, there are still expectations that he will spring surprises with his magical moves to lead the wounded Argentine team to victory against Nigeria.
Nigeria is however, a strong opposition with renewed confidence ahead of the Tuesday showdown as the three-time African champion team is poised to qualify for the knockout stage with total victory against the South Americans.
If Argentina fails to win the World Cup this year, Messi will have to wait until 2022 to have another crack – when he will be 35.