Lionel Messi said goodbye to 2025 and welcomed 2026 in an intimate way, surrounded by his family. The Argentina captain celebrated the New Year with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, sharing some images of the celebration on social media, where he once again showed his more personal side.
A simple, human message with no reference to the World Cup
On his official Instagram account, the “10” published a message that quickly went viral around the world, but which surprised by its tone. In a year marked by the World Cup, Messi avoided any footballing references or sporting promises and preferred a universal wish:
“HAPPY 2026! I hope it will be a year full of health, love and peace for all,” he wrote.
Without mentions of titles, competition or sporting glory, the message drew attention precisely because of this: it was a greeting focused on the human, on the emotional and on the values that the Argentine usually emphasizes when he is not on the pitch.
The family image that once again excited the fans
The message was accompanied by a family photograph that reflected tranquility, unity and closeness, traits that have always accompanied Messi’s public image off the field. As is the case with every post by the captain, fans were quick to fill his social media with messages of affection, support and excitement.
A 2026 full of expectations, but Messi lowers the tone
This 2026 will be a special year for Argentina, as they will have to defend the World Cup title won in Qatar. However, away from the media pressure and sporting noise, Messi chose to start the year with a calm message, without big statements or public expectations.
As the football world prepares to see him once again lead the Albiceleste on the biggest stage, the Argentine star chose to prioritise something deeper: the desire for health, love and peace.
A captain who inspires on and off the field
With a brief but forceful message, Messi once again demonstrated why he transcends beyond sport. In a world expectant of what might happen football-wise, the Argentine captain remembered something simple but essential: before football, there is life. And so his 2026 begins.
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