How to delete a MySQL record after a certain time

I want to delete some messages from my MySQL database after 7 days.

My message table rows have this format: id | message | date

The date is a timestamp in the normal format; 2012-12-29 17:14:53

I was thinking that an MySQL event would be the way to go instead of a cron job.

I have what I guess is a simple question to an experienced SQL person, how do I code the delete messages portion in brackets below?

An example would be appreciated, Thanks.

 DELIMITER $$
   CREATE EVENT delete_event
   ON SCHEDULE AT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP + INTERVAL 1 DAY
   ON COMPLETION PRESERVE
  DO
    BEGIN
      DELETE messages WHERE date >= (the current date - 7 days);
    END;
$$;