India, June 25 -- Legendary Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has wished Lionel Messi on the occasion of the superstar's 39th birthday, joking that the German shot to fame because of a hug from the Argentine.

"Happy birthday, and thank you very much for the hug, you've made me really famous. It's so easy for you. Now the whole world knows me just because you gave me a hug. Enjoy your day. Have a great one. See you latest at the 40th."

The hug in question came after Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria in their FIFA World Cup group-stage match, in which Messi scored both goals in style. Klopp was pitchside in his role as a pundit and presenter for German broadcaster MagentaTV.

After the full-time whistle, Klopp embraced Alexis Mac Allister, th...