Happy birthday, Lionel Messi!

Born on June 24 in 1987 in Rosario, the Argentina captain is celebrating his 31st birthday on Sunday.

Messi, who is yet to score at this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia, will look turnaround his and Argentina's fortunes when they face Nigeria next in the World Cup. Argentina must win that game to keep their hopes alive for qualifying to the last 16 of the tournament.

Messi-led Argentina, who ended as runners-up four years ago in Brazil, have endured a torrid time in Russia drawing 1-1 against debutants Iceland before being crushed 3-0 by Croatia.

When Moscow confectioners found out Messi would be celebrating his birthday during the World Cup, they decided he needed a gift that measured up - a life-size chocolate sculpture in his likeness.

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A team of five workers at Moscow's Altufyevo Confectionery worked for nearly a week to carve the sculpture in 60 kg (132 lbs) of chocolate to mark the Argentina forward's 31st birthday on Sunday.

"We found out by chance that it was Messi's birthday on June 24," said chief confectioner Daria Malkina. "And we thought, 'why not make Leo a gift, a chocolate sculpture of himself'?"

Malkina said she had been in touch with Messi's representatives about handing him the sculpture, which will be mounted on a birthday cake.

"We will give Lionel Messi to Lionel Messi," Malkina said, laughing.

The sculpture will also be put on display in Bronnitsy, a town located about 50 kilometres from Moscow that is Argentina's base during the month-long tournament.

Messi might need cheering up, having been criticised for his tepid performances at his fourth World Cup with Argentina facing the shocking prospect of exiting the tournament early unless remaining Group D results go their way.

(With inputs from Reuters)