Lionel Messi Celebrates 39th Birthday with Intense Workout and Record-Breaking Achievements
Messi's Birthday Workout
Lionel Messi, the legendary FIFA World Cup champion, marked his 39th birthday on Wednesday by engaging in a rigorous gym session. Despite the occasion, he showcased his dedication to fitness.
On his special day, Messi shared a video on Instagram, highlighting his intense upper body workout. This year, he enters a new phase of life as the all-time leading goal-scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
Argentina's World Cup Journey
Under Messi's leadership, Argentina has advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. Their final group match against Jordan is scheduled for June 28 in Texas.
Record-Breaking Performances
Messi has made headlines by becoming the highest goal-scorer in World Cup history, thanks to his two goals that secured a victory over Austria. He also achieved his first World Cup hat trick in the opening match against Algeria, contributing all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament so far.
According to OptaJoe, Messi is only the second player in World Cup history to net his country's first five goals in a single tournament, a feat previously accomplished by Oleg Salenko of Russia in 1994.
Historic Milestones
During the match against Austria, Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday, recorded 71 touches, making him the oldest striker since 1966 to achieve over 50 touches in a World Cup match.
His two goals not only led Argentina to victory but also elevated him above Miroslav Klose, with a total of 18 World Cup goals. Additionally, he matched the records of Just Fontaine from France and Jairzinho from Brazil by scoring in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Messi also set a new record for the most wins by a player in World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 17 victories with his 18th win.