Messi Celebrates Birthday in Rosario and Reflects on a Season of Transitions
Lionel Messi, the Argentine striker for Inter Miami, shared a warm note on his Instagram celebrating another year and expressing gratitude for the kind wishes. The post arrived as fans in Argentina and across the world watched a season marked by a series of notable changes in the player’s career. Messages poured in from supporters who followed his journey from the days at Barcelona through the triumphs with Paris Saint-Germain and the recent move to Major League Soccer.
On June 24, Messi turned 36. The milestone was marked with a personal message that spoke to gratitude and the importance of family. He wrote that it was a privilege to celebrate the day in his hometown of Rosario, surrounded by loved ones, and he sent big hugs to all who sent him greetings. The note captured the blend of personal joy and professional achievement that has defined his career, drawing attention from fans who value his longevity and dedication on the field.
Earlier in the week, Messi participated in a farewell-style match alongside former teammates and current members of the Argentina national team. The event was held at a venue associated with Newell’s Old Boys, a club with deep roots in Messi’s early development. In a display familiar to fans of the national team, he took the field with former and current compatriots and added to his tally with goals that underscored his enduring impact on the international stage. The exhibition match served as a moment of reflection on his storied path and the friendships and rivalries that accompanied it throughout the years.
The year also featured a major transition in Messi’s club career. In June, his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended, bringing his tenure in Paris to a close. He departed as a free agent and soon joined Inter Miami, embarking on a new chapter in Major League Soccer. This move continued Messi’s annual pattern of seeking fresh challenges and new horizons, a trajectory followed by few players who maintain elite performance into their mid-30s and beyond. The shift from European football to soccer in North America signaled a broader evolution in the sport’s global landscape and highlighted the growing appeal of MLS as a destination for world-class talent.
In another notable moment tied to the PSG era, Paris Saint-Germain honored Neymar with a memento from club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, a gesture that acknowledged the close ties and collaborative successes shared during their time together in Paris. The exchange reflected the culture of mutual respect that often accompanies players who contribute to club histories filled with memorable matches, titles, and high-stakes moments.