Lionel Messi’s 31st birthday was celebrated with a lot fanfare on 24 June in Kolkata and the Russian town of Bronnitsy, where the Argentinian team is currently based for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
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| Messi's Birthday cake. A portrait of him TimsBlog237 |
While Messi and his team are currently having a poor run in the tournament, that does not seem to have deterred his fans.
Bronnitsy locals celebrated with a colourful music festival and also cut a giant Messi-shaped cake.
"This means a lot for our town of Bronnitsy, this Is the first time such a high-level team has come here. The whole world will learn about Bronnitsy now. There are many people living here who love football, love Messi and cheer for the Argentinian team. We want Argentina to reach the final and play in the final against Russia."Viktor Nevolin, Mayor of Bronnitsy
Meanwhile, in Kolkata, a tea seller painted his house blue and white, the colour of Argentina’s flag.
A die-hard Messi fan, he also cut a huge cake which was in the shape of Argentina’s flag, as well as being blue and white in colour.
"We will be cutting a 31-pound cake since it is Messi’s 31st birthday. We will give out 100 jerseys to poor kids and also organise a programme where we will feed poor people."Shib Shankar Patra, Tea Stall Owner
With fan base as strong as his, Messi is without the shadow of a doubt, one of the most popular sportsmen of all time.