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Messi returns to Argentina to play in a friendly game against Newell’s Old Boys.
At the Estadio Coloso Del Parque Marcelo Bielsa, the home of his childhood team, Newell's Old Boys, on his 36th birthday, Lionel Messi received a hero's welcome from 40,000 supporters.
Messi returned to Rosario's Newell's Stadium for the first time in 14 years to attend Maxi Rodriguez's testimonial as a former Argentina colleague.
Messi was welcomed with an extraordinary welcome that included pyrotechnics, a happy birthday chant from the crowd, and more.
He went on to score a hat-trick in the first half, which included an excellent free-kick in the third minute.
Messi, who just signed a contract with MLS team Inter Miami, displayed his heroics in style for the fans.
Speaking to ESPN Argentina, Messi said, "It had been a long time since I had spent a birthday in Rosario, with my family and my friends.
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"When it's my turn to leave football, I'm going to remember and enjoy everything I've achieved much more."
The Rosario crowd gave Messi a genuinely unforgettable greeting, and he made them happy by scoring goals,
Messi, who first played in the Newell academy before going to Barcelona at the age of 13, added a second after 42 minutes, and ended up with a hat-trick.
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