It’s a moment that will forever be etched in football history—Angel Di María caught in the surreal task of explaining to Lionel Messi that the trophy he was celebrating with in Qatar wasn’t the real one. The image of Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, grappling with such a bizarre situation, is unforgettable. Fans around the world still talk about it, as it was one of those moments where reality seemed stranger than fiction.
Di María recounted the incident with striking clarity. “There were two FIFA officials walking right behind me as I carried the cup,” he explained. “I asked them why they were following me, and they told me it was because I was holding the original trophy.” The reassurance from the officials seemed enough at the time, but what happened next turned everything upside down.
Messi, meanwhile, was interacting with another cup, handing it over to Sergio “Kun” Agüero, completely unaware of the confusion. Di María quickly realized that the cup Messi was celebrating with wasn’t the authentic trophy—it was a replica, a prop, a mere “trout” as Di María humorously put it. The official cup and the one Messi held had been switched somehow, leaving everyone, especially Messi, in disbelief.
The look on Messi’s face captured the sheer shock and incredulity of the moment. It was a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of a player usually so composed under the brightest lights. As Di María described, “I swear on my mother, I won’t go down without supporting him,” highlighting the deep bond and loyalty between teammates even in the midst of such chaotic moments.
This bizarre trophy mix-up has since become legendary, not just for the humor and absurdity of the situation, but also as a testament to the unpredictability of football. Even in moments of triumph, the game has a way of surprising its stars and fans alike, reminding everyone that sometimes, reality can be stranger—and more unforgettable—than any scripted celebration.
