Some footballers get a chant. Lionel Messi got an entire songbook. The GOAT chased one more trophy at what turned out to be his final World Cup — Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 on June 27, 2026, to close the group stage with a perfect record, before losing 1-0 to Spain in the final on July 19, 2026. Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026. Here are the songs and chants that have soundtracked his extraordinary career.
| Player | Lionel Messi |
| Nation | Argentina |
| Defining song | “Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar” |
| Other tributes | Countless fan chants & tribute tracks |
| 2026 status | Likely his final World Cup |
“Muchachos”: The Song That Became His Anthem
No song is more tied to Messi’s legacy than “Muchachos,” the fan anthem that soundtracked Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Its lyrics dream openly of Messi lifting the trophy — and then he did exactly that, turning the song into a piece of national folklore.
Sung right after the Argentine national anthem, “Muchachos” has become the emotional centerpiece of every Argentina match, with Messi himself often filmed singing along.
The Terrace Chants
Beyond “Muchachos,” Messi has inspired waves of terrace chants over the years — from simple, roaring “Messi, Messi” calls to elaborate sung tributes from Barcelona, Inter Miami and Argentina supporters. Wherever he plays, the crowd writes new verses.
It’s a level of musical devotion usually reserved for legends like Maradona, whose own tribute songs paved the way. For Messi, the chants double as a real-time soundtrack to greatness.
Why 2026 Hits Different
With this widely expected to be Messi’s last World Cup, every anthem and chant carries extra weight. Fans aren’t just supporting a team — they’re saying goodbye to an era, and the songs reflect that bittersweet mix of celebration and farewell.
More World Cup 2026 Music
Dive into ‘Muchachos’ in full, the Argentine national anthem, and our history of World Cup anthems.
Messi: A Career That Inspired a Soundtrack
What makes the Messi songbook unique is how it crosses borders. Barcelona ultras, Inter Miami’s MLS crowds and Argentina’s traveling fans have all written their own verses, turning his every club move into a fresh wave of chants. Few athletes in any sport have inspired this much music.
It speaks to what Messi represents — not just goals and trophies, but a story fans feel personally invested in. By the time he leads Argentina out in 2026, “Muchachos” and its many cousins will have become the unofficial soundtrack of a generation. For the song’s full backstory, see Wikipedia’s page on ‘Muchachos’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous song about Messi?
“Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar” — Argentina’s 2022 fan anthem — is the song most associated with Messi, as its lyrics dream of him winning the World Cup.
Did Messi inspire his own chants?
Yes — fans of Argentina, Barcelona and Inter Miami have created numerous chants and tribute songs for Messi throughout his career.
Is 2026 Messi’s last World Cup?
Yes — Messi confirmed it himself, announcing his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, after Argentina finished runner-up to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
When does Argentina play at the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 on June 27, 2026, closing the group stage with a perfect record, then went on to reach the final before losing 1-0 to Spain on July 19, 2026.
Songs & Chants About Messi: Quick Reference
| Song/Chant | Origin | Known For | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar” | Argentina (La Mosca Tse-Tse, adapted by fans) | Argentina’s 2022 & 2026 World Cup anthem | Spanish |
| “Messi, Messi” chants | Terrace chant, multiple clubs | Generic roaring tribute at any Messi match | Spanish/various |
| Barcelona ultras tribute songs | Camp Nou supporters | Club-era tribute chants | Spanish/Catalan |
| Inter Miami MLS chants | Inter Miami CF supporters | New chants from his MLS move | English/Spanish |
Where to Stream / Listen: “Muchachos” is widely available on major streaming platforms; a precise, verified official streaming link was not confirmed, so none is included here to avoid linking to the wrong recording.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Did Argentina win the 2026 World Cup?
No. Argentina reached the final after beating England 2-1 in the semifinal, but lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time on July 19, 2026, finishing as runners-up.
Has Messi confirmed he is retiring from international football?
Yes. Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, 2026, closing out his international career after the 2026 World Cup final.
Did Messi score at the 2026 World Cup?
Messi was involved in Argentina’s group-stage win over Jordan and played throughout the tournament, though a complete, verified tally of his individual goals across all matches was not confirmed for this piece.
Related Reading
For more World Cup 2026 music, see the Senegal national anthem’s poet-president story and the ultimate 2026 World Cup playlist.