Argentina's 2026 World Cup final: María Becerra sings anthem, Messi absent

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, singer María Becerra was selected by FIFA to perform the Argentine national anthem before kickoff. She received the invitation via her manager, traveled to the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and sang live in a sky‑blue dress designed by Argentine designer Abel Cepeda that incorporated the flag’s colors. Becerra described the moment as “the biggest honor of my career,” and the performance drew widespread praise on social media.

Argentina lost the match 1‑0, but a massive street reception was organized in Buenos Aires. While most of the squad joined the celebration, Lionel Messi travelled separately to his hometown of Rosario and did not appear with his teammates at the airport or the subsequent parade, surprising fans who expected him to be part of the hero’s welcome.