Stop and sing: Argentina's unusual plan to celebrate Lionel Messi's 39th birthday

Football fans do strange things. They get tattoos of their favourite players, name their pets after them and travel thousands of kilometres just to watch them for 90 minutes.

But Argentina may have come up with one of the more unusual tributes yet.

As Lionel Messi turns 39 on Wednesday (24 June), fans across the country are being encouraged to stop whatever they are doing and sing "Happy Birthday" to him at designated times during the day. It's a celebration that sounds a little odd on paper. Imagine people in offices, schools, cafes and homes all breaking into song for a footballer at the same moment.

Then again, Messi isn't just any footballer in Argentina.

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For years, he carried the weight of a nation desperate for World Cup success. He endured criticism, heartbreak and questions about whether he could ever emulate Diego Maradona. Then came the Copa America triumph, followed by the World Cup victory that finally ended the debate for many Argentines.

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That journey has transformed Messi from a sporting icon into something much bigger. He is now a cultural figure whose achievements are celebrated far beyond football circles.

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The birthday tribute reflects that connection. While it may seem unusual to outsiders, many Argentines see it as a way of thanking a player who has provided some of the happiest moments in the country's recent sporting history.

The timing is also significant. Messi is still competing at the 2026 World Cup and continues to be Argentina's biggest attraction despite turning 39. Every appearance feels precious because nobody knows how many more international tournaments he has left.

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So yes, it is a strange way to celebrate a birthday. But football has never really been about being normal. And when it comes to Messi, Argentina has long stopped treating him like an ordinary athlete.

For one day at least, an entire country appears willing to sing for its captain.