Lionel Messi launches 'Messi mode' in ChatGPT for World Cup 2026

Football superstar Lionel Messi has announced an unprecedented collaboration with ChatGPT, introducing a new way for fans to engage creatively with the sport during the 2026 World Cup. This initiative aims to revolutionize the digital experience for global followers in the era of artificial intelligence.

“

Lionel Messi announced on June 10, 2026, an unprecedented collaboration with ChatGPT to allow football fans to interact creatively during the 2026 World Cup, transforming the digital experience of global followers in the age of artificial intelligence.

The partnership between Messi and OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, focuses on enabling fans to utilize generative AI tools. Specifically, the collaboration introduces personalized functions within the ChatGPT Images platform, allowing users to create unique visuals. The project was reportedly sparked by Messi's own curiosity about the capabilities of digital tools.

Messi himself tested the platform by requesting a change to his hair color, using the tones of the Argentinian flag. He shared a video on Instagram showcasing the results, which he described as generating laughter and fun among his teammates. The tool allows users to transform written descriptions into personalized visual files, and the specific prompt used by Messi has been incorporated into the platform's pre-defined styles.

“

The alliance seeks to bring technology closer to fans through personalized functions within the ChatGPT Images platform.

This feature opens up possibilities for fans to design their own versions of team insignias or other football-related imagery and share them on social media. The report also touches upon the broader impact of AI in the 2026 World Cup, noting that generative systems are playing a significant role in content creation and match data analysis, with statistical models even making predictions about the tournament's outcome.

“

Lionel Messi tested the tool with a direct request to change his hair color with the tones of the Argentinian flag.