A combo image shows Lionel Messi celebrating his birthday.

Mohammad Faisal, Gulf Today

Argentina’s football great Lionel Messi turned 34 on Thursday.

The Barcelona captain, who is on international duty in Brazil for his country at the ongoing Copa America, was surprised by a midnight party thrown by his Argentina teammates.

The birthday boy was loaded with gifts as the small party was celebrated in a room echoed with birthday song and wishes that went viral online.

Emotional Messi, who is not accompanied with his family, thanked his friends for the delightful moment and later shared the clip of the wonderful event on Instagram and wrote, “Starting my birthday with boys and receiving presents, thank you very much for making me spend a special day even though I am not with the family, whom I miss a lot at the moment.”

Antonela Roccuzzo shares a childhood image of them together.

Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo wished her husband.

She wrote, “Happy Birthday my Love❤️

“We love you more every day!!”
“You are everything to us, we miss you so much!! ❤️❤️”
Brazilian footballer Dani Alves said, “I would like here to leave just the love and respect for you @leomessi The rest always in private. Congratulations on your birthday and always the best in your life!!”

Former Brazilian star Ronaldinho Gaúcho said, “Happy birthday my brother #Messi! I wish you all the best always, I hope to see you soon 🤙🏾”

On the sport front, Argentina have not won a major title since lifting the Copa America in 1993 and it is the one blank page on his otherwise unblemished CV.