Lionel Messi marked his 39th birthday on Wednesday, and a video from Argentina’s training camp showed the Inter Miami star looking as physically sharp as ever. In the clip, posted by the Argentine national team, Messi is seen doing pull-ups in the gym, displaying strong upper-body power and well-defined arm muscles that surprised many fans given his age.
The article says the footage underscores the physical work that has helped Messi remain at the top level despite being in the later stages of his career. While he is best known for his magical left foot, the recent images highlight the conditioning behind his continued ability to compete at the highest level.
The birthday celebrations come as Messi is still making history on the field. This week he became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history after scoring twice in Argentina’s win over Austria, a result that secured the team’s place in the round of 32. Argentina is now preparing for the knockout stages as Messi aims for another run at defending the world title.
A celebration is expected at the national team hotel later in the day. Messi is not expected to seek attention, and if he is not specifically asked to pose with the cake, he will reportedly blow out the candles alongside two people close to the squad, cook Antonia Farias, who hugged him after the Lusail triumph, and the team’s asado specialist Diego Iacubone, who are also celebrating birthdays. Messi said he has little left to wish for, adding, “The truth is I don’t have anything more to ask for. Thank God, I have received everything in sports. The only thing I ask for is health for me, for my family and for the people who have always been close to me. And I want to keep enjoying these moments, being part of this team, a team that has made people happy for many years and continues to compete at the highest level. I want to keep enjoying being here.”
