World Cup GOAT Lionel Messi is 39 years old today – Charm

Updated June 24, 2026, 2:39 p.m. ET

Jun 22, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) and midfielder Rodrigo de Paul (7) celebrate Messi record setting goal during a Group J match between Argentina and Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

June 22, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Paraguay supporters wish a happy birthday to Argentina’s striker Lionel Messi during the Group F first round 2010 World Cup football match Paraguay vs. New Zealand on June 24, 2010 at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. NO PUSH TO MOBILE / MOBILE USE SOLELY WITHIN EDITORIAL ARTICLE — AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images)

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In this photograph taken in June 24, 2014 Indian football fans of Argentina cheer alonside a birthday cake for striker Lionel Messi, ahead of Argentina’s match against Nigeria in the the first round of group F during the FIFA World Cup 2014, in Kolkata. Despite India having never participated in the event, World Cup fever has tightened its grip in the city with its countless clubs switching their loyalty to Argentina and blue-white banners fluttering in many areas of the sprawling city. AFP PHOTO/ Dibyangshu SARKAR (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR / AFP via Getty Images)

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Indian fans of Argentina and Lionel Messi, celebrate his 31st birthday at a three-storey apartment painted in blue-and-white by Indian tea seller Shib Shankar Patra at Ichapore, some 35 km from Kolkata on June 24, 2018. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)

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A birthday cake including a statue depicting Lionel Messi is seen during a party organized by the town of Bronnitsy, where the Argentina football team have their base camp, near Moscow, on June 24, 2018, to celebrate the birthday of Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi during the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images)

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Sep 23, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against Honduras at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

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Sep 27, 2022; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates his goal against Argentina goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Dec 9, 2022; Lusail City, QATAR; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after defeating Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

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Jun 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against the United States in the semifinals of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team against Mexico during their Copa America 2007 Semifinal match 11 July 2007 in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. Argentina beat Mexico 3-0. AFP PHOTO/Luis ACOSTA (Photo by LUIS ACOSTA / AFP via Getty Images)

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Argentine Lionel Messi (C top) celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal against Colombia during their FIFA World Cup South Africa-2010 qualifier football match at the El Campin stadium in Bogota, 20 November 2007. AFP PHOTO/Guillermo MUÑOZ (Photo by GUILLERMO MUÑOZ / AFP via Getty Images)

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GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – JUNE 16: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring the sixth goal during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Group C match between Argentina and Serbia & Montenegro at the Stadium Gelsenkirchen on June 16, 2006 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

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BARCELONA, Spain: Barcelona’s Argentinian Leo Messi celebrates after scoring against Real Athletic during their Spanish League football match at the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona, 15 Jenuary 2006. AFP PHOTO/LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

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BARCELONA, SPAIN: FC Barcelona’s Argentinian Messi celebrates his goal against Albacete during their Spanish League football match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, 01 May 2005. FC Barcelona won 2-0. AFP PHOTO/LLUIS GENE. (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

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May 28, 2011; London, ENGLAND; FC Barcelona player Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy after defeating Manchester United 3-1 in the 2011 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Walter Luger/GEPA via USA TODAY Sports

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