Lionel Messi arrived in his hometown of Rosario for his birthday and received a huge ovation in the stadium, plus a hat-trick!

On his 36th birthday, Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario to a spectacular welcome. Over 40,000 spectators were present in the stadium!

The Argentine national team captain received a stunning welcome after arriving in his country for the last match of his former teammate Maxi Rodríguez.

Estadio Coloso Del Parque Marcelo Bielsa, the home stand of Newell’s Old Boys, where Rodríguez used to play, was bursting at the seams.

For the first time in 14 years, local native and global football icon Lionel Messi returned to the famous Rosario stadium.

The sold-out stands, with a total capacity of 42,000 seats, provided an electrifying atmosphere. Moreover, the winger returned the welcome with a great performance.

Lionel Messi retuned to his hometown of Rosario for Maxi Rodriguez’s farewell game and received an incredible reception from the 42,000 fans 😍🇦🇷

He even scored a first half hat-trick… not the worst way to celebrate your 36th birthday ⚽️🥳

pic.twitter.com/skAtzACtYM

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 25, 2023

In the farewell match, he scored a hat-trick in the first 45 minutes. And to make matters worse, the match took place on 24 June, the day of the Argentine’s 36th birthday.

The player received a huge ovation, fireworks and a joint birthday wish before he even started to make magic with the ball on the green grass. It was at Rosario that he worked before leaving for Barcelona at the age of 13.

La Pulga’s net burst into flames in the 4th minute of the game after a beautiful free kick. Messi played it with a great deal of ease, after all, as is his good habit.

The forward added two more shots before the half-time whistle and the birthday hat-trick was completed.

“It’s been a long time since I spent my birthday with my family and friends at home in Rosario.

Despite all the phenomenal and unique things we have already achieved, you think more about what is still to come. When my time comes and I’m done with football, I’ll remember all those memories and most importantly enjoy them even more,” the Argentine expressed.

Source: Twitter, Sportbible