Moscow June 21 (IANS) An unusual copy of the FIFA World Cup as well as a birthday cake has been made for Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi by the people of Bronnitsy where the players are residing.
It might cheer up Argentina which is now fighting to enter the knockout stage reports Sputnik news agency.
"The Argentinian national team is world-renowned so naturally we could not forget about such an important event as the birthday of its captain " said Sports Minister of the Moscow Region Roman Teryushkov.
According to the official Lionel Messi who celebrates his 31st birthday on June 24 will receive a strange but valuable gift from the Moscow region a copy of the FIFA World Cup made from traditional Russian Gzhel ceramics.
Meanwhile Argentina is struggling in group D after its 1-1 draw against Iceland in which Messi failed to score on a penalty.
The team will play against the leader of the group Croatia on Thursday and against Nigeria on June 26.

--IANS kk/vm