Outside the FIFA fanfest in Bayfront Park, a school bus was painted with Argentina's trophy lift in Lusail. Messi scored a brace in the final against France, which the Albiceleste would ultimately win on penalties. That night marked a seminal moment in Messi's career and put the final piece in his decorated trophy cabinet.
Messi's Career and International Path
He has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, the UEFA Champions League four times, La Liga with Barcelona 10 times, and Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain twice. Those represent a handful of the dozens of trophies he has collected across his career.
At 38, Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player could be playing in his final World Cup. He had previously announced his retirement from international football after Chile defeated Argentina in the 2016 Copa America final, but was named to Argentina's World Cup qualifying squad two months later.
Fan Fest Scene in Miami
A large South American contingent was present for FIFA's fan fest at Bayfront Park, with supporters wearing the Argentina kit famous for its vertical white and sky-blue stripes. Some were wrapped in the Argentina flag.
Fans from other South American countries could also be seen draped in their flags or wearing their countries' kits, including Ecuador and Colombia, as well as US neighbor Japan. Supporters from England, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Haiti, and Saudi Arabia were also gathered for the festivities.
What Argentina Fans Are Saying
Cristian Blanco, a Miami resident was among the Argentina fans who turned out for the World Cup atmosphere in the city.
We can do it again. We have a good team.
Pablo Urena, a Miami resident from Buenos Aires, said Argentina's 2022 triumph was an emotional one for his family, who watched every game together.
We are ready to win the fourth. We are not done yet. Messi is still playing.
It was the most beautiful feeling with the family.
Blanco also stressed the importance of savoring Messi's remaining time on the international stage.
We need to enjoy Messi. We need to enjoy the moments.
Miami resident Brenda Valencia said that while she sees France and Portugal as Argentina's biggest threats for the trophy, she believes the team can make another run to the final.
We won all the competitions that we play. We are there again.
Group J and Argentina's 2026 Opener
Argentina are favorites to finish top in Group J, which also features Algeria, Austria, and World Cup debutants Jordan. The Albiceleste begin their World Cup journey against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday.
Progressing from the group stage is not enough for Argentina's fans, who are hoping for another deep run at this year's World Cup. With Messi still leading the charge and supporters packing Miami's fanfest sites, the belief around South Beach is that Qatar's iconic trophy lift does not have to be the final chapter.
Featured names
- Lionel Messi
- Cristian Blanco
- Bayfront Park
- Uefa Champions
- South American
- Saudi Arabia
- Buenos Aires
- Copa America
- Brenda Valencia
Featured names
- Lionel Messi
- Cristian Blanco
- Bayfront Park
- Uefa Champions
- South American
- Saudi Arabia
- Buenos Aires
- Copa America
- Brenda Valencia
