Lionel Messi turned 39 on Wednesday, and his Argentina teammates celebrated by wearing T-shirts with pictures of themselves and Messi.
What happened?
The world champions' squad, including Valentín Barco and Nicolás Otamendi, donned the customized tops to wish Messi a happy birthday at their Kansas City base.
The cult of Messi
Messi's career has been nothing short of phenomenal, with the footballer still performing at an elite level despite his age. His teammates look up to him, and even famous players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé cannot match his sense of otherworldliness.
Life outside football
Messi's personal life remains a mystery, with the footballer skillfully avoiding political allegiance and maintaining a blank canvas outside of football. He has been praised by Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, but has not reciprocated.
What comes next?
Messi is set to play in the World Cup, starting with Friday's last-32 game against Cape Verde. If this tournament is to be his last, it will be a final glimpse of the footballer in action. Messi is contracted to play two more years in Major League Soccer, but the coming fortnight will be where we see him give it his all for one last great triumph.
The greats whom Messi stands with, such as Muhammad Ali and Diego Maradona, lived in an era when they were more accessible. Messi's life, on the other hand, is carefully managed, with the only jeopardy being what happens on the pitch.
Messi visited the Oval Office in March with his Inter Miami teammates, showcasing his ability to be in the room without being part of it. His innate skill at avoiding controversy has been useful, but what he thinks and cares about remains a mystery to those outside his inner circle.
Ten years ago, Messi announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost the Copa América final to Chile. The decision was later reversed, and Messi has since become an undisputed king of the game.
As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Messi to see if he can lead his team to victory. With his 39th birthday celebrations still fresh in mind, Messi will be looking to make this tournament one to remember.
The Argentina team's adoration for Messi is clear, and his teammates will be looking to him for inspiration in the coming games. Messi's ability to perform under pressure has been proven time and time again, and this World Cup will be no exception.
With the world watching, Messi will be giving it his all to bring home the trophy. His legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is already cemented, but a World Cup win would be the perfect ending to an illustrious career.
As the tournament progresses, Messi's every move will be scrutinized. His performance on the pitch will be under the microscope, and his teammates will be looking to him to lead by example.
The stage is set for Messi to shine, and the world will be watching with bated breath. Will he be able to lead his team to victory, or will this be his last hurrah? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Lionel Messi will give it his all and leave everything on the pitch.
Messi's contract with Major League Soccer will see him play for two more years, but the World Cup is where his focus lies. He will be looking to make a lasting impression and bring home the trophy for Argentina.
The world champions' squad is ready, and Messi is at the helm. The stage is set for a thrilling tournament, and Messi's performance will be the one to watch. With his 39th birthday celebrations still fresh in mind, Messi will be looking to make this World Cup one to remember.
The coming fortnight will be a thrilling ride, with Messi at the center of it all. His ability to perform under pressure has been proven time and time again, and this World Cup will be no exception. The world will be watching, and Messi will be giving it his all to bring home the trophy.