Lionel Messi is currently competing on US soil in a bid to secure his fourth World Cup title. Amidst this, his words resonated within the Buenos Aires Cathedral back home. Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva reiterated a past message from the national team captain during a special prayer service (Mass) held to mark Argentina’s Independence Day.
The Archbishop utilized the message Messi had shared on social media following the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar as a call for unity within the current Argentine context. Prominent figures, including Argentine President Javier Milei, attended this special event.
Addressing the fans and citizens present, Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva said, “Let us wear our (national) jersey and passionately put into practice the message Lionel Messi shared on social media.”
He then read out Messi’s historic quote: “When we Argentines fight together and remain united, we can achieve whatever we desire with all our hearts.”
In the ongoing World Cup, Argentina secured a spot in the quarter-finals by staging a comeback—winning 3-2 after trailing 0-2 against Egypt. This special message was highlighted just two days later. The 39-year-old Messi is currently playing in his sixth World Cup. Having scored in all five of the tournament’s matches, he sits second in the race for the Golden Boot with a total of eight goals. Kylian Mbappé, who holds the top spot, also has eight goals but has recorded three assists, compared to Messi’s one. The defending champions are set to take the field next Sunday morning in a match against Switzerland for a place in the semi-finals.
