Lionel Messi has looked every bit the defending world champion during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Playing in a record-extending sixth tournament, the Argentine captain led his country to a perfect 3-0 record in the group stage, setting up a Round of 32 meeting with Cape Verde. Messi finished the opening phase with six goals, tying the record for the most goals ever scored in a single World Cup group stage, while extending his all-time men’s World Cup scoring record to 19 goals.
The 39-year-old has continued rewriting the history books throughout the tournament. His free-kick winner against Jordan made him the first player ever to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, a streak dating back to Qatar 2022, and he enters the knockout rounds as the outright leader in the Golden Boot race.
REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Amid his remarkable tournament, Messi also made headlines away from the pitch. Sony Pictures released a special Spider-Man: Brand New Day promotional teaser on Tuesday featuring the Argentine superstar alongside Tom Holland’s Spider-Man.
In the short spot, Peter Parker receives an alert that Messi is searching for Spider-Man before the web-slinger swings the football icon through New York City, serving as a World Cup-themed promotion ahead of Argentina’s knockout match.
The collaboration is fitting given Messi’s well-documented affection for Spider-Man. During his debut season with Inter Miami CF, Messi celebrated several goals by paying tribute to his children’s favorite Marvel superheroes, including Spider-Man, Thor, Black Panther and Iron Man. One of his most memorable celebrations saw him recreate Spider-Man’s signature web-shooting pose after finding the back of the net, a gesture that quickly went viral among fans.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker, is scheduled to arrive exclusively in theaters on July 31, 2026.
