{ "id": "epzm14m5gs", "slug": "messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend", "title": "Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend", "updated": "2026-11-01", "topic_path": [ { "id": "culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture" }, { "id": "culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_unscripted", "label": "Unscripted, reality, and web-native series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_unscripted" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_documentary_factual", "label": "Documentary, docudrama, and lifestyle series", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_documentary_factual" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_documentary_factual.music_arts_biography_docuseries", "label": "Music, arts, and biographical docuseries", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_documentary_factual.music_arts_biography_docuseries" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.latam.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Latin America and the Caribbean · 2021 and later: Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.latam.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series", "path": [ { "id": "geo.latam", "label": "Latin America and the Caribbean", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.latam" }, { "id": "geo.latam.t2021", "label": "Latin America and the Caribbean · 2021 and later", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.latam.t2021" }, { "id": "geo.latam.t2021.culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.latam.t2021.culture" }, { "id": "geo.latam.t2021.culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.latam.t2021.culture.performance" }, { "id": "geo.latam.t2021.culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.latam.t2021.culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "geo.latam.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.latam.t2021.culture.performance.screen.series" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend is a four-part Apple TV+ documentary (premiered February 21, 2024) from SMUGGLER Entertainment following Lionel Messi through five World Cups to Argentina's Qatar 2022 title, with interviews of Messi, teammates, and coaches.", "snippet": "Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend is a four-part Apple TV+ documentary (premiered February 21, 2024) from SMUGGLER Entertainment following Lionel Messi through five World Cups to Argentina's Qatar 2022 title, with interviews of Messi, teammates, and coaches.", "node": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_documentary_factual.music_arts_biography_docuseries", "markdown": "# Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend\n\n*Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend* is a four-part documentary series that chronicles [Lionel Messi](https://www.edgepedia.org/lionel-messi)'s career with the [Argentina national football team](https://www.edgepedia.org/argentina-national-football-team), culminating in Argentina's victory at the 2022 [FIFA World Cup](https://www.edgepedia.org/fifa-world-cup) in Qatar. It premiered on Apple TV+ on February 21, 2024, with all four episodes released the same day.[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/) • [2](https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/messis-world-cup-on-apple-tv-recaptures-magic-of-triumph-20240219-WST-489894.html)\n\n| Key fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Format | Four-part documentary series, each episode about 45 minutes[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/) • [3](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdixodc5) |\n| Premiere | February 21, 2024, on Apple TV+[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/) |\n| Subject | Messi's five FIFA World Cup appearances and Argentina's Qatar 2022 win[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/) |\n| Production | SMUGGLER Entertainment, in association with Pegsa[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/) |\n| Filming locations | Paris, Qatar, and Argentina[4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBItn7fx1EM) |\n| Critical reception | 100% Tomatometer from 6 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes; 8.2/10 on IMDb[5](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/messis_world_cup_the_rise_of_a_legend/s01) • [6](https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-2024) |\n| Recognition | Nominated for a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Documentary Series – Serialized and for a PGA Award[7](https://theemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/46th-Annual-Sports-Emmy-Awards_Nominees_2025-04-22.pdf) • [8](https://www.metacritic.com/tv/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend/) |\n\n## Spoilers\n\n### Content and structure\n\nThe series follows Messi, the eight-time [Ballon d'Or](https://www.edgepedia.org/ballon-dor) winner, through his five FIFA World Cup appearances and Argentina's Qatar 2022 triumph, which Apple's press release calls one of the most exciting finals in history. Messi tells the story of his career with the national team in his own words, and the series presents what Apple describes as the most personal interviews to date with him, alongside conversations with teammates, coaches, competitors, fans, and commentators.[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/)\n\nThe docuseries charts the path from Messi's first match with Argentina through several elusive World Cup campaigns, his early retirement from the national team in 2016, his comeback, and the 2022 championship, where he was crowned the tournament's best player.[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/) The four episodes, all released on February 21, 2024, are:\n\n1. **The Last Cup**. A confident Argentina arrives at Qatar 2022 seeking the title that has eluded Messi, and the tournament opens with a shocking early result.[5](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/messis_world_cup_the_rise_of_a_legend/s01)\n2. **We Can Dream Again**. The legacy of [Diego Maradona](https://www.edgepedia.org/diego-maradona) shadows Messi as Argentina fights to stay in contention.[5](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/messis_world_cup_the_rise_of_a_legend/s01)\n3. **The Weight of a Nation**. Messi's painful past in World Cup and [Copa América](https://www.edgepedia.org/copa-america) finals looms over a quarterfinal against a formidable opponent.[5](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/messis_world_cup_the_rise_of_a_legend/s01)\n4. **Redemption**. Messi, his teammates, and Argentina's supporters place the hopes of a nation on a final against [Kylian Mbappé](https://www.edgepedia.org/kylian-mbappe)'s France.[5](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/messis_world_cup_the_rise_of_a_legend/s01)\n\n## Interviews and access\n\nThe series combines Messi's interviews, conducted before and after the World Cup, with lengthy discussions with teammates and staff. Interviewees include [Ángel Di María](https://www.edgepedia.org/angel-di-maria), Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Emiliano Martínez, and head coach [Lionel Scaloni](https://www.edgepedia.org/lionel-scaloni), along with broadcaster [Gary Lineker](https://www.edgepedia.org/gary-lineker).[2](https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/messis-world-cup-on-apple-tv-recaptures-magic-of-triumph-20240219-WST-489894.html) • [9](https://tollbit.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/messi-world-cup-rise-of-legend-release-date/) Mariana van Zeller appears as the interviewer, and other featured voices include Roger Bennett, Gastón Edul, Jorge Valdano, and Víctor Hugo Morales.[6](https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-2024)\n\nThe production drew on archive footage, childhood home movies, and behind-the-scenes material from the tournament, with filming units in Paris, Qatar, and Argentina.[4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBItn7fx1EM) • [10](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend)\n\n## Production\n\nThe series was produced for Apple by SMUGGLER Entertainment in association with Pegsa. Its executive producers are Tim Pastore, Patrick Milling Smith, Brian Carmody, and Matt Renner of SMUGGLER Entertainment, alongside Jenna Millman and Juan Camilo Cruz; Pastore, Milling Smith, Carmody, and Renner are Emmy Award winners, and Milling Smith and Carmody have also won [Tony Awards](https://www.edgepedia.org/tony-awards).[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/) Jeff Hutchens is credited as director by the [British Board of Film Classification](https://www.edgepedia.org/british-board-of-film-classification), which classified the episodes at 44 to 49 minutes each.[3](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdixodc5)\n\nApple released the official teaser in mid-January 2024 and the full trailer on January 18, 2024.[1](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/) • [9](https://tollbit.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/messi-world-cup-rise-of-legend-release-date/)\n\n## Reception\n\nOn Rotten Tomatoes the limited series holds a 100% Tomatometer from six critics; reviewers highlighted the final against France as material that could not have been scripted better, and Common Sense Media found the series inspiring for viewers interested in the sport while noting there is little for those who are not.[5](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/messis_world_cup_the_rise_of_a_legend/s01) • [10](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend) On IMDb it holds a rating of 8.2 from about 1,300 users.[6](https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-2024) Some critics were less favorable: an OTTplay review rated it 2.5 out of 5, arguing that the series presents Messi sympathetically without examining criticisms of him, including his altercation with [Wout Weghorst](https://www.edgepedia.org/wout-weghorst) after the quarterfinal against the Netherlands.[11](https://www.ottplay.com/review/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-review-a-generic-rehash-of-an-event-fresh-in-ones-memory/aeaf2b373b835)\n\nThe series received a nomination for Outstanding Documentary Series – Serialized at the 46th Sports Emmy Awards and a PGA Award nomination.[7](https://theemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/46th-Annual-Sports-Emmy-Awards_Nominees_2025-04-22.pdf) • [8](https://www.metacritic.com/tv/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend/)\n\n## Context in Apple's soccer slate\n\nThe series sits within a broader Apple TV+ lineup of soccer documentaries that also includes *Messi Meets America*, a six-part series on Messi's debut season with Inter Miami in [Major League Soccer](https://www.edgepedia.org/major-league-soccer). In September 2024, Messi and SMUGGLER Entertainment announced a joint venture, a content platform named 525 Rosario after Messi's hometown, building on their work on the World Cup series.[12](https://apnews.com/article/d9f5a66ce80a05df06bc08be40df19b5) • [13](https://elpais.com/television/2024-09-19/messi-se-asocia-con-una-productora-para-lanzar-su-plataforma-de-contenidos-de-television-cine-y-deportes.html)\n\n## References\n\n1. [Apple TV+ press release: trailer for \"Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend\" (January 18, 2024)](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/01/apple-tv-reveals-the-new-trailer-for-the-highly-anticipated-documentary-event-messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-premiering-february-21-2024/)\n2. [\"'Messi's World Cup' on Apple TV+ recaptures magic of triumph\", World Soccer Talk](https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/messis-world-cup-on-apple-tv-recaptures-magic-of-triumph-20240219-WST-489894.html)\n3. [BBFC classification: Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdixodc5)\n4. [Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend – Official Trailer, Apple TV (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBItn7fx1EM)\n5. [Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend: Limited Series, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/messis_world_cup_the_rise_of_a_legend/s01)\n6. [Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend, JustWatch](https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-2024)\n7. [46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards nominees, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences](https://theemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/46th-Annual-Sports-Emmy-Awards_Nominees_2025-04-22.pdf)\n8. [Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend, Metacritic](https://www.metacritic.com/tv/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend/)\n9. [Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend – release date and interviewees, Radio Times](https://tollbit.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/messi-world-cup-rise-of-legend-release-date/)\n10. [Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend parents' guide, Common Sense Media](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend)\n11. [\"Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend review\", OTTplay](https://www.ottplay.com/review/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend-review-a-generic-rehash-of-an-event-fresh-in-ones-memory/aeaf2b373b835)\n12. [\"MLS and Apple announce all-access docuseries chronicling 2024 season\", AP News](https://apnews.com/article/d9f5a66ce80a05df06bc08be40df19b5)\n13. [\"Messi se asocia con una productora para lanzar su plataforma de contenidos\", El País](https://elpais.com/television/2024-09-19/messi-se-asocia-con-una-productora-para-lanzar-su-plataforma-de-contenidos-de-television-cine-y-deportes.html)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Series and fictional screen worlds › Unscripted, reality, and web-native series › Documentary, docudrama, and lifestyle series › Music, arts, and biographical docuseries*\n\n*Initially written Oct 3, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026; Oct 25, 2026; Nov 1, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend](https://www.edgepedia.org/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend](https://www.edgepedia.org/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/messis-world-cup-the-rise-of-a-legend. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend is a four-part Apple TV+ documentary from SMUGGLER Entertainment following Lionel Messi through five World Cups to Argentina's Qatar 2022 title, with interviews of Messi, teammates, and coaches." }