Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva used Lionel Messi's own words to call for unity during a Mass at Buenos Aires Cathedral on Thursday, July 9, as Argentina celebrated Independence Day and the national team prepared for its FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Switzerland.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by Argentine President Javier Milei, Garcia Cuerva recalled the message Messi posted after Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, according to Reuters. The archbishop urged the congregation to embody the captain's call for togetherness.
Messi's message read aloud
"Let us keep our shirts on, and with passion, let us bring to life the message that Lionel Messi once posted on his social media," Garcia Cuerva said before reading the forward's words from four years ago. "When we Argentines fight together and stand united, we are capable of achieving whatever we set our minds to," Messi had written.
Independence Day significance
Argentina marks Independence Day each year on July 9, commemorating the declaration of independence from Spanish rule signed by the Congress of Tucuman in 1816. The historic document was signed in the northern city of San Miguel de Tucuman at the home of Francisca Bazan de Laguna, now the Casa Historica de la Independencia museum.
Across the country, the day is observed with military parades, official ceremonies, cultural events, and traditional foods. Citizens display the national colours of light blue and white. The president traditionally attends commemorative events in Tucuman, while Buenos Aires' Avenida 9 de Julio, the world's widest avenue, honours the date.
Argentina's World Cup run
The archbishop's reference came two days after Argentina staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt, overturning a 2-0 deficit to reach the quarter-finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi, 39, is playing in his sixth consecutive World Cup and has scored in all five of Argentina's matches so far, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
The quarter-final against Switzerland is scheduled for later this week, with Argentina aiming to defend its title after winning the 2022 edition in Qatar.
