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Lionel Messi Rings in 2026 with Family and Reflects on Historic India Tour

Lionel Messi welcomed 2026 by sharing heartfelt New Year wishes and a family picture on Instagram. This follows a landmark 2025 where he led Inter Miami to an MLS Cup title, amassing 29 goals and 19 assists. His year concluded with a major 'GOAT Tour' across India, meeting political figures and sports legends despite some chaotic moments. Messi now looks ahead to defending Argentina's World Cup title in 2026, starting with a match against Algeria in June.

Key Points: Messi's New Year Wishes & 2025 India GOAT Tour Highlights

  • New Year family post
  • 2025 India GOAT Tour recap
  • MLS Cup victory with Inter Miami
  • Upcoming World Cup title defence
2 min read

Lionel Messi extends New Year wishes to fans, posts pictures with family

Lionel Messi shares 2026 New Year wishes with his family, reflecting on his 2025 MLS Cup win and eventful GOAT Tour across India meeting icons and leaders.

"HAPPY 2026!! May it be a year full of health, love and peace for all. - Lionel Messi"

Buenos Aires, January 1

Argentina's FIFA World Cup-winning football icon Lionel Messi extended Happy New Year wishes to his fans and shared a picture with his family on Thursday.

Taking to Instagram, Messi wrote, "HAPPY 2026!! May it be a year full of health, love and peace for all."

Messi concluded the year 2025 with his 'GOAT Tour' to India in December, a three-day tour from December 13 to 15, which took him to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, marking his first visit to the country since 2011.

While the Kolkata leg of the tour ended in chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium, the other three pit stops of the tour created some unforgettable memories, as he met the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Indian cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta in stadiums packed with passionate football fans.

Messi, at the age of 38, captured the most prestigious prize for his club, Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer, the MLS Cup, last year in December-start. He had an incredible season with the club, scoring a massive 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 matches. Even in the MLS Cup title clash, he did not score but was the ultimate playmaker with his assists in his side's 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

From what has been seen of Messi's fitness and performance-wise, there is very little doubt about his presence in the FIFA World Cup next year.

Argentina are set to start their title defence against Algeria on June 16.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Such lovely family pictures. Wishing them a wonderful 2026. It's impressive how he balances being a global icon and a family man. His performance at 38 is simply unreal.
A
Ananya R
The Kolkata incident was really unfortunate and embarrassing for us as hosts. We need to learn how to manage big events better. But Hyderabad and Delhi showed our true, passionate spirit! Messi sir, please don't judge us by that one experience.
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Vikram M
29 goals and 19 assists at 38? The man is a machine! His playmaking in the final was a masterclass. Argentina's title defence will be exciting to watch. Hope he stays fit for the World Cup.
K
Kriti O
His wish for "peace for all" feels very meaningful. A humble legend. Meeting our leaders and legends shows he respects India beyond just a tour stop. More such cultural exchanges in sports, please!
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Michael C
While I'm a huge fan, the tour felt a bit too commercial and political with all the politician meetings. Would have preferred more pure football interaction with local clubs and young players. Just my two cents.

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