Footballers have frequently spoken about how the periods of “rest and relaxation” at major international tournaments are merely a euphemism for being bored out of their collective minds. It’s always a fascinating subplot to a month-long period spent holed up in a resort, doubly so during the time of Covid-19 — when leaving the hotel, or inviting someone inside, is bound to cause a national stir (see: Chile).
Argentina is going through one of those periods right now. After beating Paraguay on Monday night, La Albiceleste are currently in the midst of a six-day break before closing group play against Bolivia on June 28.
Because of the Covid-secure bubble, the squad is all they got for entertainment. This has hit especially hard for captain Lionel Messi, who’s celebrating his 34th birthday today (June 24) without partner Antonela Roccuzzo or their three sons: Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.
But Messi’s teammates, including longtime friends Sergio Agüero, Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi, have been doing their best to recreate the family atmosphere.
It all began at midnight, when they surprised Messi (and roommate Agüero as collateral damage) with some gifts.
LA SORPRESA EN LA SELECCIÓN ARGENTINA
✍️ "Empezando el cumple con los pibes y recibiendo unos regalitos. Muchas gracias poder hacerme pasar un día especial por más que no esté con la familia a quienes extraño muchísimo en estos momentos" #FelizCumpleLeo #Messi34 pic.twitter.com/5FTuqw90AQ— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) June 24, 2021
Then Messi had training.
¿Mi cumpleaños? En la Selección Argentina con los pibes #FelizCumpleLeo #Messi34 pic.twitter.com/3hmmaH3AlR
— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) June 24, 2021
And then an activity that never fails to make me upset that I'm not Argentine: Asado.
LO QUE DARÍAMOS POR ESTAR AHÍ
¿El mejor asado? En la Selección Argentina, el día del cumpleaños del GOAT"Ya tu sabes, perri" KUN AGÜERO #FelizCumpleLeo #Messi34 pic.twitter.com/exa8XbUo34
— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) June 24, 2021
Happy birthday Messi, but let's not get any older than this.