Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi turns 39 on Wednesday, and while fans are preparing a nationwide tribute, you’ll undoubtedly want to present him with something special if you’re invited to the celebrations.
Choosing a gift for someone who pretty much has it all can be challenging. But fear not, for the Herald has come through in the clutch with a list of five great gifts for Messi, based on his revealed interests and passions.
Option 1 – Michael Jordan meet and greet
Considering Messi is the hero and reference point for so many people around the world, it’s easy to forget the man has idols of his own, and United States basketball legend Michael Jordan is one of them.
In an interview with journalist Pablo Varsky, Messi revealed his admiration for Jordan after watching the docuseries The Last Dance.
“Sports-wise, I think [Jordan] is the greatest ever,” said Messi. “It’s a shame I didn’t get to experience that era firsthand. I would have loved to. I’m not the biggest basketball fan, but it was something different across all sports,” he added.
Messi admitted he’s never met Jordan and would love to have his picture taken with him, so arranging for a meet and greet or a dinner with the Chicago Bulls’ legend is bound to get you on the Argentine star’s good list.
Option 2 – Coldplay memorabilia
It’s no secret that Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, are fans of the British alternative rock band led by Chris Martin.
In July 2025, they became the second-most famous couple — the first one was not so happy to get caught — to be targeted by the band’s Kiss Cam during a show in Miami, where 60,000 people ended up chanting his name like it was just another Argentina game.
At the time, Martin was quite happy to see the Argentine star among his crowd.
“Leo, my beautiful brother, you and your wife are looking so fine. Thanks for coming today to see the band play. The number one sportsman of all time,” he said after the camera spotted Messi and Antonela.
It’s quite obvious that Messi can afford tickets to see the band, so ringing up Chris Martin for one of his hand-painted guitars to gift the Argentine star is the move here.
Option 3 – Super Bowl VIP Tickets
Messi’s affinity for all kinds of sports, not just football, is well documented. From his comments on Jordan and tennis legend Rafael Nadal to clips of him playing paddle, it’s clear he’s a man for all games.
In recent years, however, he’s taken a bigger interest in the National Football League (NFL) after moving to the U.S.
“I am learning a lot about [NFL],” he told the Big Time podcast in 2024. “I have come to understand it more and enjoy it.”
Messi was already featured once in the Super Bowl, the league’s annual championship final game, as the star of a halftime commercial alongside actor Jason Sudeikis and Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino.
If he’s taking a bigger interest in it, he’ll enjoy VIP tickets to walk the field and meet the players. Just be sure to get five for the whole family.
Option 4 – A new parrilla
Despite living most of his life abroad, Lionel Messi has not forgotten about his Argentine roots. Together with his ubiquitous mate, a typical asado (Argentine barbecue) remains a major interest of his.
In 2023, he surprised the owners of Laboratorio de Hierro, a grill manufacturer in San Miguel, Buenos Aires Province, by sending them an Instagram message to purchase a new model and asking whether they could ship it to his home in Miami.
“We are proud to have Messi as part of our community, and we hope that La Parrilla del Capitán (the Captain’s Grill) brings him as much joy as he has brought us,” the business posted on Instagram when they presented the model they sent to him.
While he’ll undoubtedly be happy with his current cooking station, a new one is a can’t-miss gift option for Messi.
Option 5 – A football club
We admit this is a bit of an expensive option, but for the guy who’s won almost every trophy he’s ever had a chance to compete for, you’re going to have to splash some cash.
In recent times, Messi has admitted to being tempted by the idea of owning a football club as his post-retirement project.
“I’d like to have my own club,” he said in a 2026 interview with the streaming channel Luzu TV, admitting he doesn’t see himself as a head coach in the future.
“Start from the bottom and be able to give opportunities to young players, to people, to help them grow and to build an important club,” he explained.
The Argentine captain has already dabbled in ownership, with his joint venture alongside longtime teammate and friend Luis Suárez at Deportivo LSM in the Uruguayan lower divisions and Leones de Rosario FC, which he founded with his family.
For the kind of grassroots ownership experience Messi seems to be craving, however, you’ll have to fork out close to US$1 million — roughly what an English National League club goes for these days.
But you can’t quite put a price on friendship, can you?
Cover image: Seleccion Argentina Twitter
