local
Goalllll! Messi mania overtakes Argentina as legend breaks scoring record
By Almudena Calatrava, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
Argentina’s passion for Lionel Messi has taken monumental form during the 2026 World Cup: A statue stands 26 meters tall in a remote town in Patagonia, and a mural signed by over 1,300 fans celebrates the captain who continues to inspire devotion across the country.A giant tribute to MessiA 26-me...
Key takeaway Argentina’s passion for Lionel Messi has taken monumental form during the 2026 World Cup: A statue stands 26 meters tall in a remote town in Patagonia, and a mural signed by over 1,300 fans celebrates the captain who continues to inspire devotion across the country.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own vibrant soccer community is likely to take notice of the monumental tributes to Lionel Messi in Argentina, particularly given the city's strong Hispanic heritage and passion for the sport. As the World Cup captivates audiences worldwide, local fans may draw inspiration from the dedication of Argentine supporters, who have transformed their towns into shrines to the legendary player. The statue in Patagonia and mural in Buenos Aires demonstrate the profound impact Messi has on his country and fans globally. San Antonio's own soccer enthusiasts, who regularly gather to watch matches and support local teams, may reflect on what it means to have a unifying figure like Messi, who embodies the spirit of competition and national pride. As the World Cup continues, San Antonio's soccer community will likely be watching closely, cheering on their favorite teams and players, and perhaps even drawing parallels to their own local sports heroes.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Argentina’s passion for Lionel Messi has taken monumental form during the 2026 World Cup: A statue stands 26 meters tall in a remote town in Patagonia, and a mural signed by over 1,300 fans celebrates the captain who continues to inspire devotion across the country.A giant tribute to MessiA 26-me...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Almudena Calatrava, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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