Lionel Messi once again grabbed headlines both on and off the field following Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. While the Argentine captain played a crucial role in helping his team secure a place in the next stage, it was his light-hearted exchange with journalist Sofi Martinez after the match that quickly went viral across social media.
After being named the Player of the Match, Messi was making his way through the mixed zone when he spotted sports journalist Sofi Martinez. As the two greeted each other, Messi jokingly addressed the long-running rumours linking them. With a smile, he quipped, “If I look at you, they’ll ask why I looked, and if I greet you, they’ll ask why I greeted you,” leaving everyone around laughing.
Sofi Martinez appreciated Messi’s humorous response and thanked him during the brief interaction. The video instantly spread across social media, with fans praising the football icon for dismissing the rumours in a witty and graceful manner instead of giving unnecessary attention to online speculation.
Rumours involving Messi and Sofi Martinez first surfaced after an emotional interview during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, neither Messi nor Martinez has ever indicated that there was any truth to the speculation. Messi’s latest comment was widely seen as a playful way of putting an end to the gossip while showing he remains unfazed by social media chatter.
On the football front, Messi once again delivered when Argentina needed him the most. His goal helped the defending champions overcome a determined Cape Verde side in a closely contested encounter, sealing a 3-2 victory and booking their place in the next round of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
While Argentina’s progression remains the biggest talking point, Messi’s viral one-liner and his composed handling of the rumours have added another memorable moment to his World Cup journey, with fans applauding both his performance on the pitch and his calm sense of humour off it.