In a captivating blend of football and culture, FIFA turned to Pakistani folk music to celebrate Lionel Messi’s birthday. On June 24, the legendary Argentine footballer turned 37, and FIFA marked the occasion by featuring Arif Lohar’s song “Aa” in a special tribute.
Lohar’s “Aa,” which was released in 2023, has become a sensation in Pakistan, amassing millions of fans. Now, this vibrant piece of music has reached a global audience, thanks to FIFA. On its official Instagram account, FIFA posted a Reel showcasing some of Messi’s career highlights, all set to the energetic beats of “Aa.” The video was poignantly captioned in Urdu, “Messi ka Jadoo” (Messi’s Magic).
The post sparked joy among Pakistani football enthusiasts, who flooded the comments with their excitement and pride. One fan wrote, “Wait, what? This was not the collaboration I was expecting!” Another noted, “FIFA is obsessed with Pakistani songs,” while a third chimed in, “I thought it was a meme fan page… Things are heating up. Bohat aala (amazing).”
Messi, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and numerous achievements, received this heartfelt tribute from FIFA, which underscores the universal appeal of his career. His magical skills on the pitch, combined with the soulful tunes of Lohar’s music, created a mesmerizing experience for fans worldwide.
This initiative by FIFA highlights the beauty of cultural fusion, bringing together the worlds of sports and music in a unique celebration of Messi’s birthday. It also showcases the global reach of Pakistani folk music, as it finds new fans and admirers across the world.
