Messi scored from a free kick + caps at half-time! The 36-year-old birthday star spoke emotionally: This birthday is very special

On June 25, Beijing time, the farewell match of Argentine star Maxi Rodriguez, the Argentine team played against Newell Old Boy, and Messi completed a hat-trick in the first half!

The 42-year-old is a former Argentina international who won the World Junior World Championship in 2001 and has since competed in three World Cups before winning the World Cup Silver Boot in 2006 before announcing his retirement in November 2021.

To this day, Maxi's farewell match is played at the home of debut team Newell Old Boys, with his old club facing the Argentine national team. As a youth trainee of Rosario's hometown and Newell's old boy, Messi also made an appearance, starting with Maxi and receiving birthday wishes from all fans.

All the players in Argentina wore Maxi's number 11 shirt. Just four minutes into the game, they got a free kick opportunity at the top of the arc of the box, and Messi scored directly with his left foot! Once again, he showed his superb footwork.

In the 36th minute, Messi single-handedly shot into the net with his left foot in front of the penalty area and scored twice!

In the 44th minute, Maxi sent a pick-and-cross and Messi stopped the ball in the box and volleyed in one go, scoring a hat-trick!

Messi is also very happy to return to his hometown for this match, saying emotionally: "I haven't had a birthday with my family and friends in Rosario for a long time, it's my first time being a world champion, so it's very special. ”