Lionel Messi is once again in the spotlight as the 2026 ESPY Awards approach. The Argentine captain, who has been dazzling fans with Inter Miami CF since 2023, earned nominations in two major categories: Best Male Athlete and Best Soccer Player. The announcement, made by ESPN on June 25, sets the stage for a ceremony that will celebrate the year's most outstanding sports figures.
For Messi, the Best Male Athlete nomination is particularly significant. While he has won ESPYs before—including Best Soccer Player and Best Championship Performance in 2023—the top individual honor has eluded him. This year, he faces stiff competition from some of the biggest names in North American sports: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, and Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams. Each of these athletes has had a standout season, but Messi's global impact and recent World Cup heroics make him a formidable contender.
A Historic World Cup Campaign
Messi's nominations come at a time when he is rewriting the record books at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Leading Argentina, the reigning champions, he has guided the team to a perfect 2-0 start in Group J without conceding a single goal. On June 16, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Messi scored a hat trick against Algeria, tying Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals in men's World Cup history. Just days later, at Dallas Stadium, he netted both goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria, surpassing Klose with 18 career World Cup goals—a feat that cements his legacy as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
This achievement is especially resonant for Latino fans, who have followed Messi's journey from Rosario, Argentina, to global stardom. His ability to perform on the world's biggest stage, while playing in familiar North American territory, has only deepened his connection with the diaspora. As one fan noted on social media, "Messi is not just a player; he's a symbol of what we can achieve."
In the Best Soccer Player category, Messi is up against Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current, Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona's Alexia Putellas. The diversity of nominees—spanning men's and women's leagues—reflects the growing global reach of the sport.
What's Next for Messi
Before the ESPY ceremony on July 15 at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City, Messi's focus remains on the pitch. Argentina is set to face Jordan on June 27 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, a match that could further solidify their path to the knockout stages. Fans can catch the game on major networks, and many are already speculating about how far Messi can carry his team.
This recognition also highlights the broader Latino influence in sports. From the streets of Buenos Aires to the stadiums of North America, Messi's journey is a testament to the talent and resilience of Latin American athletes. As the ESPY Awards approach, one thing is clear: whether he wins or not, Messi's impact on the game—and on the Latino community—is undeniable.
For more on Messi's World Cup journey, check out our coverage of Argentina's 85-foot Messi statue and the historic scoring duel with Mbappé. And if you're curious about his off-field moments, read about Antonela Roccuzzo calming their sons' tiff.
