Lionel Messi Extends New Year Wishes, Shares Family Photo On Instagram

Lionel Messi ushered in the New Year with a heartfelt message to his fans, sharing a family photo on Instagram on January 1, 2026. The Argentine football icon wrote, "HAPPY 2026!! May it be a year full of health, love, and peace for all." The post featured Messi alongside his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—capturing a serene moment of togetherness as the family celebrated the arrival of the new year.

The simple yet touching post quickly garnered millions of likes and comments from fans worldwide, reflecting Messi's enduring global popularity. Coming just weeks after his hugely successful 'GOAT Tour' to India in mid-December 2025, the message carried extra warmth for Indian supporters who had welcomed him with massive crowds in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The three-day tour marked his first visit to the country since 2011, with highlights including interactions with political leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Revanth Reddy, as well as cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri.

At 38, Messi continues to defy age with his performances. In 2025, he led Inter Miami to the MLS Cup title in December, delivering an exceptional season with 29 goals and 19 assists in just 28 matches. Even in the final against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, where Inter Miami won 3-1, Messi played a pivotal role as the chief playmaker with key assists. His consistency and fitness have left little doubt about his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where he will aim to defend Argentina's title.

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Messi's New Year post comes at a time when he remains one of the most admired figures in sport, blending on-field brilliance with a grounded family life. As fans reflect on his 2025 achievements—including the MLS triumph and the memorable India tour—the 2026 message signals his gratitude and optimism for the year ahead. With the World Cup on the horizon, anticipation continues to build around what could be another defining chapter in the career of the football legend widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.

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