体坛英语新闻：Messi reveals World Cup birthday wish

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi has revealed his 27th birthday wish: to lift the World Cup winner's trophy at the Maracana stadium on July 13.

The Argentina and Barcelona forward took to Facebook on Tuesday to thank fans for their congratulatory messages.

"Thanks a lot for all your birthday wishes," Messi wrote. "My perfect gift this year would be to win the World Cup, but first we focus on (Wednesday's) game (against Nigeria) and topping the group."

Messi has more than 59 million fans on the social media site.

He took part in the Albiceleste's light training session at Porto Alegre's Beira-Rio stadium on Tuesday but spent most of the day in the team's hotel.

He also posted a picture on facebook with a new pair of boots provided by a sponsor.

Argentina are currently top of Group F with two wins from as many matches. Victory on Wednesday would set up a round of 16 clash against the Group E runners-up on July 1.