Messi's World Cup message takes centre stage at Argentina Independence Day Mass
FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi's message of unity from Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph was read aloud during the country's Independence Day Mass as the world champions prepare for another crucial knockout clash.
Lionel Messi's influence on Argentina has long stretched beyond football. On the country's 210th Independence Day, it reached one of its most symbolic stages yet, as the national captain's words were read aloud inside Buenos Aires Cathedral during a special Mass attended by President Javier Milei.
With Argentina preparing for a FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland, Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva invoked Messi's message from the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, using it as a call for national unity on one of the country's most important public holidays.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
"Let us keep our shirts on, and with passion, let us bring to life the message that Lionel Messi once posted on his social media," Garcia Cuerva told the congregation before reading the captain's now-famous words.
"When we Argentines fight together and stand united, we are capable of achieving whatever we set our minds to."
It was a fitting tribute to a footballer who, more than four years after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, continues to embody much more than sporting success.
MESSI LEADING ANOTHER WORLD CUP CHARGE
At 39, Messi continues to write new chapters in an international career that has already delivered almost everything imaginable.
The captain is featuring in his sixth consecutive World Cup and has scored in each of Argentina's five matches at the tournament, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
His performances have once again placed Argentina among the favourites to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar, although a quarter-final against Switzerland now stands between the defending champions and another step towards history.
Whether or not Argentina ultimately go all the way, Thursday served as another reminder of Messi's unique place in the country's identity.
Argentina's World Cup journey resumes against Switzerland, with Messi once again expected to lead from the front.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
Lionel Messi's influence on Argentina has long stretched beyond football. On the country's 210th Independence Day, it reached one of its most symbolic stages yet, as the national captain's words were read aloud inside Buenos Aires Cathedral during a special Mass attended by President Javier Milei.
With Argentina preparing for a FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland, Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva invoked Messi's message from the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, using it as a call for national unity on one of the country's most important public holidays.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
"Let us keep our shirts on, and with passion, let us bring to life the message that Lionel Messi once posted on his social media," Garcia Cuerva told the congregation before reading the captain's now-famous words.
"When we Argentines fight together and stand united, we are capable of achieving whatever we set our minds to."
It was a fitting tribute to a footballer who, more than four years after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, continues to embody much more than sporting success.
MESSI LEADING ANOTHER WORLD CUP CHARGE
At 39, Messi continues to write new chapters in an international career that has already delivered almost everything imaginable.
The captain is featuring in his sixth consecutive World Cup and has scored in each of Argentina's five matches at the tournament, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
His performances have once again placed Argentina among the favourites to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar, although a quarter-final against Switzerland now stands between the defending champions and another step towards history.
Whether or not Argentina ultimately go all the way, Thursday served as another reminder of Messi's unique place in the country's identity.
Argentina's World Cup journey resumes against Switzerland, with Messi once again expected to lead from the front.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
