Messi mania grips North Texas as FIFA World Cup fans witness history
Ahead of a 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match between Argentina and Austria on Monday, Argentina fan Guido Blanco and his son prepared to enter AT&T Stadium.
Blanco, from Argentina, traveled a long way to North Texas to support his nation and, potentially, see a historic moment for his favorite player: Lionel Messi.
“It’s a passion for us,” Blanco said of the World Cup. “We are having a great experience in Texas. If hope my son remembers this for the rest of his life.”
Messi certainly delivered a memorable moment, scoring his 17th career World Cup goal to become the event’s all-time leading scorer. And then he delivered another to extend his record to 18 in the final moments of Argentina’s 2-0 victory.
In what could be one of the most significant sports moments in AT&T Stadium’s history, Messi seized a crowning achievement in an illustrious career — one that many believe to be the greatest of all time.
And despite the loss, it was a strong showing for Austria, who was a +600 underdog, according to Fox Sports. Austria was in striking distance trailing by one goal until the final moments, when Messi scored his second goal.
Austria’s fans were greatly outnumbered by the hordes of Messi supporters, yet they made their presence felt with sharp red jerseys and coordinated chants. Birtit Kral of Flower Mound is originally from Vienna, Austria, and spoke highly of the experience while carrying her country’s flag.
“It means so much to be here,” Kral said. “We haven’t been the best. ... It’s the first time in 28 years that we’re back in the FIFA World Cup.”
If there’s one word to describe eccentric FIFA World Cup fans who often dress up in patriotic outfits and shout their countries’ fight songs and chants, it’s passionate.
“This is my country,” Kral said of her Austrian passion. “You’ve got to support your people. You’ve got to support your boys. [Beating Argentina] is a tall order, but I believe in our people. I believe in our soccer players.”
Ahead of the match, Argentina fans were a tad milder than the fans of Japan, the Netherlands and England who filled AT&T Stadium in previous matches. But as the match progressed and following Messi’s historic goals, the fans became more spirited.
Nearly an hour after the match concluded, Argentina fans celebrated in the concourse of AT&T Stadium with roaring chants, flag waving and dancing. Stadium security attempted to ask fans to leave — the numbers were overwhelming.
“We enjoy seeing the people like this,” Messi said. “Being able to give them ... this type of joy. ... Thank God we’ve already been able to give them several times. We will try to keep staying in this, in this dynamic, in this same tune, just as the people are too — full of hope.”
AT&T Stadium has hosted a Super Bowl, NBA All-Star game, NCAA Final Four and a College Football National Championship. Still, Messi’s performance has an argument to be the most prominent sports accomplishment in the venue’s history.
Beyond the goals, Messi set more records in Arlington. He played his 28th FIFA World Cup match, won his 18th and logged his 2,489th minute — all the most in World Cup history.
Argentina fan Vilson Maldonado made the trip from Guatemala to see Messi’s greatness and is one of many Messi fans to appreciate Argentina soccer from outside the country. He said the Texas heat is a bit hot for his liking, but that his experience has been incredible.
“When the second goal arrived, it was just a bunch of emotions at once,” Vilson Maldonado said. “You see all the fans celebrating together. It doesn’t really matter where they came from.
“We just want to have a good time and celebrate greatness together. We just want to stay united.”
This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 3:58 PM.
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