Going Viral! Argentina’s Loss to Spain Turned into an Anime; Messi Is Depicted as Resembling All Might
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FOLIO OTN – Argentina’s match in the 2026 World Cup is still a hot topic of conversation—even among anime fans. So, what’s the story?
The final match between Argentina and Spain wasn’t just the talk of the soccer world—it also sparked a wave of creativity on social media. One of the most eye-catching trends was the emergence of various anime-style illustrations depicting the match as if it were an action-packed shonen series. Soccer players were transformed into superpowered characters, complete with entertaining fictional storylines.
One of the most talked-about illustrations features Lionel Messi with an appearance reminiscent of All Might, the legendary hero from the anime My Hero Academia. In this version, Messi is portrayed as both a mentor and a symbol of hope, possessing a strong aura of leadership. This design received a positive response as it was seen as fitting for Messi’s status as one of the greatest players in history.
It’s not just Messi—several other players have also received their own anime versions. Some illustrations even feature over-the-top fantasy elements, such as characters with the ability to control energy, create explosions, and perform signature moves from action anime. This creativity makes soccer matches feel like battles between characters in a shonen series.
One of the most unique concepts is the appearance of Moro, the antagonist from the Dragon Ball Super manga. In the illustration, Moro is depicted stealing the energy of the Argentine players, serving as a fictional reason for the team’s eventual defeat. Of course, this story was created purely for entertainment and has no connection to the actual course of the match.
In addition to references from Dragon Ball, some works also draw inspiration from other popular anime such as Naruto, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan. Each soccer player is given abilities tailored to their playing style, resulting in a unique blend of the world of sports and Japanese pop culture.
