Lionel Messi: Birthday boy jokes around during Argentina World Cup training session

LIONEL MESSI was in high spirits at the Argentina training base on his birthday despite his team’s dire situation.

Argentina star Lionel Messi celebrated his 31st birthday in training with the national team squad, and he was beaming throughout the session despite their perilous position in Group D.

The Barcelona hero joked around with Sergio Aguero and other team-mates, while he was given special birthday congratulations by manager Jorge Sampaoli.

Most of the squad appeared to be having a great time in training, though fans will be desperate for them to translate their energy behind closed doors onto the big stage.

Argentina face Nigeria on Tuesday night in a desperate attempt to qualify for the knockout rounds, with nothing less than a win good enough.

But can birthday boy Messi, who is considered the best player of all time by many people deliver for his country once again?

Messi photos from training grounds today