Fabián Nicieza, the Argentine who created Deadpool and has lived for over six decades in the final's city: 'Messi would be Wolverine, but with claws on his feet'

Fabián Nicieza, the Argentine co-creator of Marvel's iconic anti-hero Deadpool, resides in New Jersey, the location for the upcoming World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Nicieza, who moved to the United States at the age of four, has maintained a strong connection to his Argentinian roots and follows the national football team closely.

Born in Buenos Aires on December 31, 1961, Nicieza's family relocated to the U.S. seeking a new life. While he has few distinct memories of his early childhood in Argentina, he recalls a visit back at age ten, remembering specific details like a fountain in Parque Chacabuco and his family's Doberman, Maderita.

As he grew up in the U.S., Spanish gradually receded from his daily life, though it remained the language spoken at home. He notes that his bond with his extended family in Argentina weakened over time due to distance and the passage of years, a sentiment he revisits with nostalgia.

Nicieza's path to becoming a renowned comic book writer was influenced by his early exposure to comics in the U.S. alongside his brother. These stories not only aided his English language acquisition but also ignited a passion that led him to pursue a career in writing. Reflecting on the World Cup final, Nicieza playfully suggested that Lionel Messi embodies the spirit of Marvel's Wolverine, albeit with "claws on his feet."