Messi’s World Cup message takes center stage at Argentina’s Independence Day Mass

Lionel Messi’s influence on Argentina has long gone beyond football. On the 210th day of the country’s independence, it reached one of the most symbolic stages to date, as the words of the national captain were read aloud in the cathedral of Buenos Aires during a special mass attended by President Javier Milei.

WITH Argentina is preparing for the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup against SwitzerlandArchbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva referred to Messi’s message from the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, using it as a call for national unity on one of the country’s most important public holidays.

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GARCA CUERVA CALLED MESI TO DEMAND UNION OF ARGENTINA

The archbishop of Buenos Aires demanded an end to the “caves of corruption”, questioned intolerance and constant confrontations before Javier Milei during the Tedeum for Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/40CgoNKPDM— Clarin (@clarincom) July 9, 2026

“Let’s keep our shirts on and let’s revive with passion the message that Lionel Messi once published on his social networks,” Garcia Cuerva told the crowd before reading the captain’s now famous words.

“When we Argentinians fight together and stand united, we are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to.”

It was a fitting tribute to a footballer who, more than four years after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, continues to embody much more than sporting achievement.

MESSI LEADS ANOTHER DRINK AT THE WORLD CUP

at 39, Messi continues to write new chapters in his international career which has already brought almost everything imaginable.

The captain will be making his sixth consecutive World Cup appearance and has scored in each of Argentina’s five games at the tournament and leads the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals.

His performances have once again made Argentina favorites to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar, although a quarter-final against Switzerland now stands between the defending champions and another step towards history.

Whether Argentina ultimately arrives or not, Thursday served as another reminder of Messi’s unique place in the country’s identity.

Argentina’s World Cup journey continues against Switzerland, with Messi once again expected to lead from the front.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

10 Jul 2026 06:42 IST