Argentina Celebrate Lionel Messi’s 31st Birthday Ahead of Match against Nigeria [Photos]

Argentina Celebrate Lionel Messi’s 31st Birthday Ahead of Match against Nigeria [Photos]

Argentina finally had something to celebrate during the World Cup… Lionel Messi’s 31st birthday. The Barcelona ace was gifted a cake from his team-mates as they showed unity ahead of their do-or-die clash against Nigeria.

Goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who had a torrid time against Croatia, took to Instagram to show off pictures of Messi blowing out the candles of his cake.

His one wish would be for Argentina to win their last group game or face the humiliation of an early World Cup exit.

And the celebrations weren’t just contained within the team as a life-size chocolate sculpture was unveiled in Bronnitsy, the team’s World Cup base.

The party could be short lived after the team’s failed coup to axe depleted boss Sampaoli.

Led by Javier Mascherano, the team rallied together in a bid to force out the gaffer with the midfielder demanding change at the helm as part of a “pact for life” before the Nigeria game.

Argentina has just one point from their opening two games – a 1-1 draw with Iceland.

Messi and Co know nothing but a win against Nigeria in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday will be enough for them to progress and they will still need to rely on other results going their way.