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On Monday, Lionel Messi celebrated his 37th birthday, waving and grinning to the adoring supporters from the hotel window of the Argentine national team in New Jersey to Times Square in New York City.
On Monday afternoon, a sea of sky blue and white-clad Argentine supporters descended upon Times Square, jumping, dancing, and chanting "Soy Argentino, Es un sentimiento, Que no puedo parar." (My name is Argentina. It's an emotion I find impossible to shake). Fans parked at a local mall and queued for hours to watch Messi and some of his teammates arrive at Hilton Short Hills, about 20 miles away. Staff members then delivered two huge pieces of dulce de leches cake, a traditional dessert in Argentina.
Messi showed appreciation to fans outside the team hotel in New Jersey who were there celebrating his Birthday 🎂🇦🇷🐐 pic.twitter.com/8BfPeeiDOm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2024
One of the fans who waited along with her parents to meet Lionel Messi spoke to the reporters. She said, “I was crying. It was crazy. I never really imagined I could see him this close. So, it was definitely an unbelievable experience. I had this inclination to come. I heard from my friends he was staying, and I was like let me see if I can see him. I’m pretty happy I came.”
Lionel Messi’s Instagram post to thank the fans on his birthday
The Inter Miami superstar took to Instagram to thank everyone for the incredible gifts and wishes that the supporters had sent for him. He said, “Thank you so much for all the greetings and congratulations!!” Messi said. “Another year that coincides with my birthday being with the National Team... So, celebrating a little bit more and we keep getting ready for our next game. Hugs!”
Another fan who met Messi along with his teenage son felt like he was at loss of words after he saw the former FC Barcelona superstar. He said, “It was very emotional. After so many games following him, it was special, especially with my son. We found out and we came. We took our chances and we were very lucky.”