3 months ago
A major highlight from Friday’s World Cup draw is the strong possibility that one of soccer's biggest stars could be back in North Texas this summer.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer legend, made his Dallas debut last year during a scrimmage that drew tens of thousands of fans.
Argentina supporters flooded the streets after their team won the 2022 World Cup, and on Friday, they celebrated again during the 2026 World Cup draw.
"We're really excited. We're happy we got a really good group," said Joaquin Franco, owner of Argentina 163, a restaurant in Euless that hosted a watch party on Friday.
The restaurant’s name, Argentina 163, honors Argentina’s 16 Copa America titles and three World Cup championships.
Upon entering, visitors see a giant photo of Messi kissing the World Cup trophy.
"One of our biggest dreams is to meet the national team and for Messi to come here and eat, and hopefully meet him one day," Franco added.
In January 2024, over 30,000 fans braved freezing weather at the Cotton Bowl to watch Messi play in a friendly against FC Dallas, many unwilling to miss what could have been a once-in-a-lifetime event.
"I love him pretty much," one fan said at the game.
Now, fans may get another chance.
With two of Argentina’s group matches scheduled to be played in Arlington, the chances are high that Messi and the defending champions will return to North Texas, possibly even establishing their team base here.
David Balyeat, who assisted Argentina as a World Cup volunteer when the team played at the Cotton Bowl in 1994, grew up in Argentina and is thrilled about the potential return.
"I would love for Argentina to win back-to-back titles. That would be historic, especially because Messi would solidify anyone’s doubts about who he is as a player," said Balyeat.
The exact match schedule for AT&T Stadium is expected to be announced Saturday.
