Inter Miami and Argentina star Lionel Messi shares emotional moment with World Cup trophy, meets NFL star Patrick Mahomes

Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, was reunited with the FIFA World Cup trophy during an Adidas-sponsored event at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The gathering, which coincided with the unveiling of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, saw Messi joined by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, creating a unique crossover of football and American football icons. The event also featured other stars, including former football legends Alessandro Del Piero and Jürgen Klinsmann, two men who have won the World Cup in the past, as well as FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The reunion with the World Cup trophy comes as part of a global tour, attracting football enthusiasts eager to see the coveted prize. For Messi, it was a chance to relive the emotions of his triumph in Qatar, where he led Argentina to victory in one of the most thrilling finals in World Cup history. The event also served as a precursor to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It also is the second publically-known time he's met Mahomes, with the first being a hilarious encounter.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, events like these will likely become more frequent, building excitement and anticipation for the tournament. For Messi, the focus returns to his season with Inter Miami, as the Herons face LAFC on April 3 in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.