Scandal in FIFA! Gianni Infantino reveals the real reason for the change in the promotional image of the 2026 World Cup: it is not because of Messi or Ronaldo, but because of a Barcelona star

In an announcement that has shaken the football world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has finally uncovered the mystery behind the controversial change in the official promotional image of the 2026 World Cup. During an impromptu press conference in Zurich, headquarters of the international federation, Infantino did not mince words: “The reason has nothing to do with Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, as many speculated.

The real reason comes from a key FC Barcelona player, whose influence has been decisive in modernizing the vision of this historic tournament.” The words of the Swiss-Italian have generated an immediate stir on social networks, where hashtags such as #Mundial2026, #InfantinoRevela and #BarcelonaFIFA have skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a global trend in a matter of minutes.

To contextualize, let’s remember that the original 2026 World Cup poster, presented just a few weeks ago, generated a perfect storm of criticism. The image, designed to capture the multicultural essence of the tournament that will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, showed an explosion of international stars: from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé to Vinícius Júnior and, of course, Lionel Messi, wearing his iconic Argentine shirt.

However, the conspicuous absence of Cristiano Ronaldo unleashed a wave of indignation among Portuguese and neutral fans, who accused FIFA of favoritism towards the Rosario star. “It is a lack of respect for the Portuguese GOAT,” thousands of users tweeted, while others revived conspiracy theories about the alleged “Messi-Infantino alliance.” The pressure was such that FIFA was forced to remove the image from its official channels in less than 48 hours, promising a revised version that “better represents the diversity of world football.”

But Infantino, known for his diplomatic astuteness and expansive vision of the beautiful game, has given an unexpected twist to the story. In his speech, which lasted just over 20 minutes but was broadcast live by the main sports networks, the FIFA president explained that the true catalyst for change was not the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, but the innovative proposal of a young talent from Barcelona: Lamine Yamal.

Yes, the 18-year-old prodigy, who has already emerged as one of the greatest revelations in European football after his explosive performance at Euro 2024 and his consolidation in the culé first team, would have been the involuntary architect of this visual transformation. “Lamine Yamal contacted us directly through his agent, with a fresh and bold idea that fit perfectly with the spirit of the 2026 World Cup: an inclusive tournament, that looks to the future and not just to the glorious past,” Infantino revealed, smiling in front of the cameras.

What does this “fresh idea” consist of? According to details leaked by sources close to FIFA, Yamal suggested incorporating elements of generational and cultural diversity in the promotional image, inspired by his own career as the son of Moroccan immigrants in Spain. The Barcelona player, who has been nicknamed “the new Messi” for his devilish dribbling and vision of the game, proposed including silhouettes of promising young players from around the world, not just established veterans, to reflect how the football of tomorrow is already here.

“It is not about excluding anyone, but about expanding the canvas,” Yamal reportedly said in a virtual meeting with FIFA’s marketing department. This proposal came at a key moment, just when criticism of Ronaldo’s omission threatened to overshadow the positive narrative of the tournament, which for the first time will feature 48 teams and venues in three countries on the American continent.

The impact of this revelation has been immediate and multifaceted. At FC Barcelona, ​​the club has issued a proud statement, highlighting how Yamal not only shines on the field – with 12 goals and 15 assists in the 2025-2026 season to date – but also influences major global events. “Lamine represents Barça’s values: creativity, inclusion and audacity.

We are delighted that his vision has shaped the face of the next World Cup,” declared Deco, Blaugrana’s sporting director, in a subsequent interview. For their part, Barcelona fans have flooded the networks with memes and celebratory videos, turning Yamal into the hero of the day. “From La Masia to the World Cup poster! #YamalFIFA”, is one of the most viral messages.

However, not everything has been applause. Conservative sectors of football, especially in Portugal and among Ronaldo’s staunch followers, have questioned the credibility of Infantino’s explanation. “Why does an 18-year-old kid decide the official design? Where is the transparency?” reads in forums such as Reddit and in comments under FIFA publications.

Some analysts suggest that this maneuver is an attempt by the federation to divert attention from the Ronaldo-Messi controversy, recalling that Infantino has been accused in the past of favoritism in advertising campaigns. In addition, the change has reignited debates about representation in sports marketing: should FIFA prioritize established idols or bet on the new generation? Experts in sports branding, such as Professor Javier López from the University of Barcelona, ​​argue that “Yamal’s proposal is a strategic success. In a World Cup expanded to 48 teams, the image must be inclusive to attract young audiences, which are the future of sponsors like Adidas and Coca-Cola.”

Meanwhile, the new promotional image is already in the production phase. Internal sources assure that it will include Ronaldo – to calm the Portuguese waters – but with a renewed focus: a dynamic collage where Yamal appears as a central figure along with other promises such as Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Endrick (also a Madrid player) and Garnacho (Manchester United). “We want the poster not to be static, but rather a call to action: football belongs to everyone, from yesterday, today and tomorrow,” Infantino emphasized. This version is expected to be officially revealed at the FIFA Congress in December, just before the Christmas holidays, to maximize its media impact.

The case of Lamine Yamal is not isolated; highlights a growing trend in modern football, where players transcend the role of athletes to become cultural influencers. Since his professional debut in 2023, Yamal has amassed more than 5 million followers on Instagram, where he shares not only goals, but messages about integration and sustainability – themes aligned with FIFA’s agenda for 2026, which includes green initiatives in stadiums. His intervention in the design of the poster could be just the beginning: rumors suggest that FIFA has proposed him an ambassadorial role for the tournament, similar to the one Messi had in Qatar 2022.

In the broader picture of the 2026 World Cup, this anecdote reinforces Infantino’s vision of globalized and accessible football. The tournament, which will be played from June 11 to July 19, promises to be the most ambitious in history, with matches in iconic venues such as the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, the Rose Bowl in the US and the Olympic Stadium in Toronto. The inclusion of 16 groups of three teams each ensures more surprises and opportunities for underdogs, aligning with the “football for all” philosophy that Yamal embodies.

Spain, for its part, observes with expectation the role of its team in this context. After the victory in the Euro Cup, Yamal is the lynchpin of La Roja, and his call-up for the World Cup seems assured – despite past tensions with Morocco due to his dual nationality. Can the Barcelona player lead Spain to a new title? Only time will tell, but his mark is already printed on the tournament’s emblem.

This revelation by Infantino not only settles a controversy, but also opens doors to an enriching debate about the power of young people in sport. Is Yamal the new face of world football? Or is it just a master marketing stroke? The truth is that the 2026 World Cup is already looking more vibrant than ever, thanks to a boy from Mataró who dreams big. FIFA invites all fans to follow updates on its official website, where more details of this revolutionary image will soon be revealed. The countdown has begun: there is less than a year left for the world to unite around the ball. Are you ready for the show?