Lionel Messi celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday during a World Cup that, at least for now, has brought him nothing but joy: Defending champion Argentina has already qualified for the knockout stage, and its captain has become the tournament's career scoring leader.

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after scoring his third goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Messi marked the occasion alongside his teammates at Argentina's training base in Kansas City, Missouri.

This is his sixth World Cup and the fifth time he's had a birthday during the tournament.