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Fans have reacted to Argentina captain Lionel Messi sending a birthday message to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's son, Santi. Santi turned six on Sunday (June 23).
Messi and Co. are currently in Copa America 2024 action in the United States, launching their title defence with a 2-0 win over Canada on Thursday (June 21). Both goals for Lionel Scaloni's side at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, came after the break.
Julian Alvarez fired the reigning champions in front four minutes into the second period before Lautaro Martinez confirmed the win two minutes from time. Meanwhile, Messi took time off from his busy schedule to send a warm birthday message to the son of Emiliano Martinez.
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In fact, Messi was not the only Albiceleste player to greet Santi on his birthday, asa other players from the team also conveyed their greetings to the six-year-old, enthusing fans.
One tweeted:
"This is so heart-warming"
Another simply chimed in:
"Greatest national team"
Similar comments followed, with The Tundra Guy writing:
"This is nice"
Jayboy posted:
"I just love this Argentina friendship like they're there for each other"
Scaloni's side are looking to become the first back-to-back Copa champions since Chile in 2015. Interestingly, on both occasions, La Albiceleste lost on penalties in the final.
What's next for Lionel Messi's Argentina?
Lionel Messi's Argentina continue their title defence at Copa America 2024 against Chile on Tuesday (June 25) at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 2015-16 champions drew goalless with Peru in their opener.
A win will confirm Lionel Scaloni's side's place in the knockouts with a game to spare. They will concldue their group-stage campaign against Peru on Saturday (June 29) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Flordai.
Messi will look to add a fourth straight international title to his collection after winning the Copa America in 2021 by beating hosts Brazil in the final. That was followed by a Finalissima win over reigning European champions Italy before La Albiceleste dethroned defending champions France on penalties in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
