5 Iconic Lionel Messi World Cup Photos That Broke The Internet (And The Hidden Secrets Behind Them)

The image of Lionel Messi lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy on December 18, 2022, is arguably the most recognizable sports photograph of the 21st century. Two years on, as of today, December 13, 2025, these photos continue to dominate social media, not just as historical artifacts but as record-breaking digital phenomena. Beyond the sheer elation of Argentina's victory over France at the Lusail Stadium, these images contain surprising details, digital controversies, and a secret that only a few eagle-eyed fans initially spotted.

This article dives deep into the most significant "Messi World Cup pics," revealing why they became cultural touchstones, the records they shattered, and the fascinating, often-overlooked stories behind the lens that immortalized the culmination of a legendary career. The most recent updates, including the two-year anniversary posts in late 2024, confirm the enduring power of these moments.

The Definitive List of Lionel Messi's World Cup Photo Milestones

Lionel Andrés Messi, born June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, cemented his legacy as the greatest footballer of all time by finally capturing the one major trophy that had eluded him: the FIFA World Cup. His journey to the 2022 final was a narrative masterpiece, and the resulting photographs became a global obsession. Here is a brief biography and the key moments captured in time:

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• Full Name: Lionel Andrés Messi
• Date of Birth: June 24, 1987
• Place of Birth: Rosario, Argentina
• World Cup Debut: 2006 (Germany)
• World Cup Final Appearances: 2014 (Brazil), 2022 (Qatar)
• World Cup Titles: 1 (2022)
• Golden Ball Awards: 2 (2014, 2022) - *Record*
• 2022 Final Score: Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 on Penalties)
• Club Career Highlights: FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami CF
• Major Individual Awards: 8x Ballon d'Or (*Record*), 6x European Golden Shoe (*Record*)

1. The "World Record Egg" Slayer: Messi’s Most-Liked Instagram Post

The single most important photograph from the entire tournament, in terms of cultural and digital impact, is the first image in the carousel post shared by Lionel Messi on his official Instagram account. The photo shows Messi, eyes closed, hoisting the golden FIFA World Cup trophy above his head in front of his celebrating Argentina teammates.

The post, which included a heartfelt caption in Spanish, quickly became a digital phenomenon. Within two days, it officially surpassed the infamous "World Record Egg" photo to become the most-liked Instagram post in history. The final like count soared past 70 million, a staggering number that solidified the image's status as a global digital artifact. The post's success was not just a win for Messi, but a testament to the collective, shared joy of billions of football fans worldwide who witnessed the final chapter of his career narrative.

The Hidden Controversy: Interestingly, the photographer who captured this historic shot, a Northampton-based professional, later expressed that he disliked the way the image was cropped for the Instagram post, arguing it lost some of its original power. This detail adds a layer of behind-the-scenes drama to the world’s most-liked picture.

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2. The Bisht Moment: A Controversial Cultural Icon

Another image that immediately went viral and sparked intense global debate was the moment Messi was presented with a traditional Arabic cloak, known as a *bisht*, by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, just before he lifted the trophy.

The *bisht* is a ceremonial garment worn by high-ranking officials and royalty in the Gulf region. In the Arab world, it symbolizes honor and status, and the gesture was intended as the highest form of respect for a legendary figure. However, the photo drew mixed reactions internationally. Many saw it as a beautiful, unifying moment of cultural exchange at the Lusail Stadium, while others criticized it as an unnecessary covering of the iconic Argentina jersey during the most important moment of celebration. Regardless of the opinion, the image of a smiling Messi, draped in the black and gold silk, holding the trophy, is one of the most powerful and unique photos of the entire tournament.

3. The Secret of the Replica Trophy: Messi’s Double Take

A detail that emerged weeks after the final revealed a fascinating secret about the on-field celebrations. In many of the most circulated photos of Messi celebrating with his teammates, including a famous shot where he is being carried on the shoulders of Sergio Agüero, he is actually holding a replica of the World Cup trophy, not the authentic one.

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The initial confusion was cleared up when his teammate, Ángel Di María, revealed that he was holding the real, solid-gold FIFA World Cup trophy during the first wave of celebrations. The replica, made by two Argentine fans, was passed onto the pitch, and Messi, in the chaos and euphoria, was photographed multiple times with the fake. This "secret" adds a humorous and human element to the otherwise perfect, scripted moment, proving that even in the most historic of celebrations, things can get a little messy. The photos featuring the replica, therefore, represent the raw, unscripted joy of the immediate aftermath.

4. The Family Embrace: Antonela Roccuzzo and the Children

The significance of the World Cup victory was not just professional; it was deeply personal. The images featuring Messi with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—are among the most emotionally resonant. These photos show the family on the pitch, sharing a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that transcended the sport.

One particularly famous shot shows Antonela Roccuzzo embracing her husband as he clutches the trophy, a powerful visual representation of the support system that underpinned his decades-long pursuit of this ultimate prize. These pictures are crucial LSI entities for the "Messi World Cup pic" topic, as they provide the human context to the sporting achievement, resonating deeply with fans who followed his entire career journey.

5. The Two-Year Anniversary Posts (December 2024): The Latest Update

To ensure the information is as fresh and current as possible, it is important to note the latest updates from the World Cup victory. The two-year anniversary of the final fell on December 18, 2024. On this date, Messi once again took to Instagram to share new photos and reflections, demonstrating the enduring importance of the event.

His anniversary posts included fresh pictures of him posing with the trophy and the famous Argentinian *mate* pot, a symbol of national culture and camaraderie. This annual tradition of sharing new, personal photos on the anniversary ensures that the "Messi World Cup pic" topic remains a perpetually updated and relevant search term, constantly feeding new content into the digital ecosystem and reinforcing the topical authority of the original victory.

The Undeniable Legacy of a Single Photograph

The collection of photographs from the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final is more than just a gallery of sporting achievement; it is a complex narrative woven into the fabric of the digital age. From the astronomical record of the most-liked post in Instagram history, which decisively beat the "World Record Egg," to the cultural debate surrounding the *bisht*, and the charming confusion involving the replica trophy, every image tells a different story.

These pictures, taken at the Lusail Stadium, not only captured the final triumph of Lionel Messi's career but also provided a rich, layered context for a global audience. They continue to be a source of curiosity and discussion, proving that the moment of Argentina's victory remains one of the most powerful and enduring visual memories in modern sports history.