DPA/Miami
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi celebrated his birthday with a hat-trick at a friendly match in Miami before turning 25 yesterday.
Lionel Messi
Two teams pitting “Messi’s Friends” against the “Rest of the World” drew 7-7 in the match, which was played late Saturday under heavy rain before around 50,000 spectators at the SunLife Stadium.
In a game with little defence aimed at entertaining spectators, Messi stayed on the pitch the entire 90 minutes. His team’s four remaining goals were scored by Diego Milito, Didier Drogba, Jose Rondon and Ariel Ortega.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick for the “Rest” squad, which also had goals from Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Nene and Edison Cavani.
“Happy Birthday Messi!” one poster said in the stands.
“Thank you Leo. Cuba and Miami love you,” said another.
