Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Football legend docu shows unsporting behavior.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend
What's the Story?
MESSI'S WORLD CUP: THE RISE OF A LEGEND is a four-part docuseries that chronicles Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi's journey to winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Since he was young, Messi's dream was to win the World Cup as a member of Argentina's national team. But despite a spectacular 17-year career, during which time he also played for FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and USA Inter-Miami, Messi was unable to reach this goal until 2022. Using archive footage and interviews with players, journalists, and others, Messi talks about the ups and downs of his career, and shares what it was like for him to play in the 2022 World Cup Championship and finally be able to lift the winner's trophy.
Is It Any Good?
The voyeuristic and compelling series offers football/soccer) fans an inside look into what it was like for Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national team to play in, and win, the 2022 World Cup. Messi discusses how important winning the World Cup for Argentina has always been for him, and describes what it was like as he and his team played the tournament until the end. He also shares his thoughts about those who inspire him, including Argentinian legend Diego Maradona.
All of this is combined with childhood home movies, footage of earlier matches in his career, and scenes from different rounds of the 2022 championship. Some limited looks at what took place behind-the-scenes are also added to increase the excitement of reliving the experience. Overall, there isn't much here for folks not interested in the sport, but those who are will most likely find Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend inspiring.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of football (a.k.a. soccer) around the world. Why is it less popular in the United States than in most countries? Is that changing?
Is Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend produced to be an informative documentary? Or is it to promote the sport? To promote Lionel Messi?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 21, 2024
- Cast : Lionel Messi
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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