Messi unveils the World Cup ball in a campaign that lit up social media

Messi doesn’t need to step on the pitch to shake up the football world. A single image, a subtle gesture, a symbolic object is enough to set the narrative in motion. This week, the Argentine icon sparked a wave of reactions by posing with the official ball for the 2026 World Cup. It’s part of a collaboration with Adidas, and while it promotes a product, it also hints at something deeper—a possible final chapter.

The moment was captured by Spanish outlet Marca on October 4, highlighting how Messi, captain of the team that conquered Qatar 2022, became the face of the new ball set to roll across stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. But beyond the marketing, the photo carries narrative weight. That ball now joins his personal collection, alongside the one used in the final against France, the golden boots from his European scoring records, and of course, the trophy that settled endless debates.

Is it time to say goodbye?

At 38, Messi remains the gravitational center of the sport. Though he hasn’t officially announced his retirement from the national team, signs point to the 2026 World Cup being his last dance with Argentina. And that ball, still untouched by grass, already carries the emotional weight of a possible farewell. It’s not just an object—it’s the symbol of a transition from fulfilled myth to looming epilogue.

 

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Meanwhile, Inter Miami—Messi’s current club in MLS—is undergoing its own transformation. According to reports from outlets like The Athletic and ESPN, the team is preparing for Jordi Alba’s departure and scouting European talent, especially former LaLiga players. While the squad has lost momentum in the Supporters’ Shield race, the internal narrative seems focused on building a competitive environment to support the final stretch of its marquee star.

A legacy steeped in history

What sets Messi apart isn’t just what he’s won—it’s how he’s turned those victories into legacy. Every item he preserves—from the Qatar ball to the one for 2026—represents a shared emotion felt by millions. These aren’t just personal keepsakes anymore; they belong to football’s collective memory. And if the 2026 ball ends up being the last one he touches in a World Cup, it will also mark the closing of a journey that began in Rosario and ended in eternity.

Messi doesn’t collect trophies. He collects moments that become history. And this new ball, even without goals yet, is already part of it.