100-Year-Old Fan Pauline's Devotion to Messi Steals the Show at World Cup 2026
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A 100-year-old fan named Pauline gained attention for her support of Lionel Messi during Argentina's World Cup 2026 match against Austria.
- Pauline, holding a "100 year old Messi fan" sign, went viral, highlighting Messi's global appeal across all ages.
- The article notes Messi's continued success in the tournament, becoming the World Cup's all-time top scorer with 18 goals after scoring twice against Austria.
Amidst Argentina's victory over Austria in the World Cup 2026, a heartwarming moment captured the attention of fans worldwide. Pauline, a 100-year-old woman, attended the match to cheer for the Argentine national team, becoming an unexpected star of the day.
Pauline's devotion to Lionel Messi was evident as she held a sign that read "100 year old Messi fan." This display of admiration sparked smiles among spectators and quickly went viral on social media, underscoring Messi's immense global influence and his ability to inspire fans of all generations. The image served as a powerful reminder of the universal appeal of the Argentine superstar.
Her dedication to Messi is long-standing. Years prior, Pauline had attended an Inter Miami game, holding a banner that playfully asked, "Messi will you marry me?" This earlier appearance also garnered attention, showcasing her enduring enthusiasm for the player. With a century of life experience, Pauline has witnessed numerous historical events, from World War II to the moon landing and the advent of the internet. Yet, her passion for Lionel Messi surpasses all other phenomena.
Pauline is one of countless fans Messi has amassed over his two-decade career. His recent stellar performance in the World Cup, where he became the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, further cements his legendary status. Despite personal challenges, including family health issues and the spread of false news, Messi delivered a match-winning performance against Austria, scoring twice. His first goal, a signature strike, put Argentina ahead, and his second, scored in injury time, sealed the 2-0 victory, igniting jubilation in the stadium.
Messi will you marry me?
Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.