As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, Lionel Messi isn't just making headlines on the pitch—he's also setting trends in music. The Argentine captain's personal pre-match playlist, recently shared by Apple Music and Spotify, has become a global talking point, blending the sounds of Latin America with a few unexpected classics.
Messi's playlist is a testament to his roots and his ear for rhythm. According to streaming data, reggaeton and Puerto Rican trap make up 37% of his warm-up tracks, with Bad Bunny leading the pack. The Puerto Rican superstar appears five times, including hits like PERRO NEGRO with Feid and MONACO. Close behind are Colombian singer Maluma and Argentine producer Bizarrap, each with four tracks. Maluma's Hawái and Trofeo sit alongside Bizarrap's sessions with Young Miko and Quevedo, showcasing the diversity of urban Latin music.
But Messi doesn't stop there. The list also includes icons like Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, and Peso Pluma, whose corridos tumbados and regional Mexican sounds add a distinct flavor. Tracks like Ella Baila Sola by Eslabón Armado and Peso Pluma, and La Chona by Los Tucanes de Tijuana, reflect the growing influence of Mexican music on the global stage. Even Selena's Bidi Bidi Bom Bom makes an appearance, a nod to Tejano's enduring legacy.
Beyond the Urban Beat
Messi's playlist isn't all reggaeton and trap. He mixes in timeless classics like Celia Cruz's La Vida Es un Carnaval and Juanes' A Dios le Pido, both staples of Latin American pride. The Argentine also dips into rock with AC/DC's Highway to Hell and Coldplay's Viva la Vida, plus a touch of hip-hop from Drake and Rick Ross. This blend, according to sports psychologists cited by FIFA, helps Messi mentally relax and focus under pressure.
The playlist also highlights Messi's connection to his home country. Argentine acts like Los Cafres (Hijo), Dread Mar I (Tú Sin Mí), and Luck Ra (Ya No Vuelvas) bring reggae and cuarteto into the mix, grounding the list in the sounds of Rosario and Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, Bizarrap's session with Argentine rapper Milo J (Fruto) shows Messi's support for emerging talent from his own country.
This musical journey isn't just about personal taste—it's a cultural statement. The Argentine Football Association has praised how Messi's playlist keeps traditions alive within the international sporting environment. As Messi prepares for matches at Kansas City Stadium, his tracks serve as an emotional anchor, connecting him to the customs and affections of his homeland.
For fans, the playlist offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a legend. It's a reminder that even the greatest athletes rely on the rhythms of their culture to find their groove. Whether it's the infectious energy of Bad Bunny or the soulful notes of Selena, Messi's World Cup playlist is a celebration of Latin music's power to unite and inspire.
As the tournament progresses, expect these songs to keep dominating streaming charts. And if you're looking to get into the World Cup spirit, you could do worse than hitting play on Messi's selection—just don't expect to score a hat trick like he did against Algeria.
