‘Absolute Leader’ Lionel Messi Ditches Son, Who Celebrated Real Madrid’s Goal, for Argentina Despite 8th Birthday Celebrations

Lionel Messi is a devoted family man. The Argentinian superstar is blessed with an adorable family, including a lovely wife and three charming sons. While he would typically move mountains for the sake of his family, this time was different. He chose to forgo celebrating one of his son’s birthdays in favor of his beloved national team.

In a touching display of loyalty to his role as the “Absolute Leader” of Argentina’s national football team, he made a remarkable choice that exceeded personal celebrations.

Lionel Messi ditches his son’s birthday and pledges loyalty to Argentina

Messi briefly joined his national teammates to play in this month’s international qualifiers. The skipper gave a top-notch performance in the first game against Ecuador, which included a stunning free-kick goal that gave Argentina a narrow win. But he missed today’s game against Bolivia, which La Albiceleste won 3-0. Despite being in the stands, he didn’t depart the national camp early. Not even to be with his son Mateo, who yesterday celebrated his 8th birthday.

This act of Messi has led him to garner immense praise from his national teammates. When asked about Messi’s presence, even if he wasn’t in action, Rodrigo De Paul said, “He’s an absolute leader and an example of love and care for the team. He could have gone away and enjoyed his son’s birthday and yet he came here with us.”

Aside from Messi’s on-field ‘bodyguard’, World Cup hero, Emiliano Martinez also heaped praise on his skipper. He said, “Messi could have gone home, but he wanted to accompany us. This is something to be proud of.” Indeed, these words serve as a testament to Messi’s exceptional leadership abilities. The Inter Miami star must be pleased to receive such heartening praise.

READ MORE: “Saudi? I Have a Family, 3 Children” – Ex-World Champion Ditches Cristiano Ronaldo’s Path to Follow Lionel Messi’s Footsteps to USA

As for his son, Mateo may have felt a bit disappointed due to his father’s absence on this special occasion. But Mateo himself once ruffled Messi’s feathers, after he celebrated Real Madrid’s goal.

8-year-old Mateo Messi has a few tricks up his sleeve

Earlier in an interview, Messi revealed his second son, Mateo used to get under his brother’s skin. He admitted, “At home when Thiago and Mateo watch football together, Mateo will celebrate Real Madrid goals to p**s off his brother.” The eight-year-old’s antics don’t stop here, as he also found a way to wind up his father.

Messi revealed whenever he plays soccer with his kids in the garden, Mateo teases his father in a unique fashion. “When Mateo plays with me in the backyard, he goes ‘I’m Liverpool and Valencia because they beat you,'” said the World Cup winner. Mateo does this because his dad lost against both teams at that time. Indeed, the little one is quite the menace.

Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

What are your thoughts on Mateo Messi’s mischiefs? Also, let us know about Lionel Messi’s heartwarming gesture in the comments below..