Blue and white fever: Bollywood’s Argentina army is backing Messi all the way at World Cup 2026
As Lionel Messi’s Argentina march deeper into the FIFA World Cup 2026, they are doing so with an unusually passionate support base thousands of miles from Buenos Aires. In Mumbai’s film industry, the blue and white of La Albiceleste has become something of an unofficial second jersey, with some of Bollywood’s biggest names making no secret of where their loyalties lie as the defending champions power their way through the tournament in North America.
Argentina has reached the semifinals with five straight wins and 14 goals scored, fuelled by a record-breaking run from Messi himself. For Bollywood’s committed Argentina faithful, every match has been an occasion.
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt
Among Bollywood’s most well-known football couples, Ranbir and Alia have long worn their Argentina allegiance literally. During the 2022 World Cup final, both were spotted in Argentina jerseys at a watch party, celebrating Messi’s historic triumph over France. For 2026, that devotion has not dimmed. The couple have been closely tracking Argentina’s journey through the tournament, continuing a support that has become one of Bollywood’s most visible fan stories.
Shah Rukh Khan
When Argentina lifted the trophy in Qatar, Shah Rukh Khan called it one of the best World Cup finals he had ever seen, recalling watching the tournament as a child with his mother on a small television and experiencing the same excitement with his own kids, crediting Messi for making people believe in talent, hard work and dreams. Four years on, King Khan has continued to drive the Messi narrative within Bollywood, tracking Argentina’s fixtures closely throughout the 2026 edition.
Kartik Aaryan
Few in Bollywood have matched Kartik Aaryan’s commitment to the cause. The actor flew to Qatar to watch the 2022 World Cup final in person at Lusail Stadium, and posted Messi’s image on his social media with a crown on his head, captioning it “Shehzada,” the title of his film at the time. The gesture became one of the more memorable moments of Bollywood’s World Cup 2022 coverage. His passion for Messi has carried seamlessly into 2026, with the actor actively tracking and celebrating Argentina’s dramatic victories throughout the tournament.
Aditya Roy Kapur
Known within the industry for his genuine athletic inclinations and sharp knowledge of European football, Aditya Roy Kapur has been a long-standing Argentina loyalist. The actor has a reputation for organising private screening parties with his Bollywood circle during major international fixtures, and the 2026 World Cup has been no different as he continues to follow La Albiceleste’s progress closely.
Sumeet Tappoo
Among Bollywood’s most passionate Argentina fans, singer and international humanitarian Sumeet Tappoo occupies a category of his own. His support for Messi and Argentina is not a social media performance but a deeply held devotion. In 2022, Tappoo travelled to Qatar to watch Argentina’s semifinal and final in person, witnessing at first hand one of football’s greatest nights when Messi finally lifted the trophy. For 2026, he has been one of the most vocal voices rallying behind the squad.
Abhishek Bachchan
Coming from a family where sport is taken seriously, Abhishek Bachchan is an authentic football enthusiast who has made no secret of his backing for Argentina. Abhishek Bachchan co-owns teams in the Indian Super League, which reflects a genuine football engagement that goes well beyond tournament support. During the 2026 edition he has been consistently vocal on digital platforms, celebrating Argentina’s clinical performances as they have progressed through the rounds.
Urvashi Rautela
While the dramatic actress has expressed admiration for individual greats of the game, her allegiance for the 2026 World Cup is unambiguous. Urvashi Rautela has declared her unconditional support for Lionel Messi’s Argentina and has been backing the defending champions throughout the tournament.
Aparshakti Khurana
The actor has gone further than most, publicly predicting that Argentina will lift the trophy once again in 2026. Naming Messi as his ultimate sporting inspiration, Aparshakti has been a consistent and enthusiastic voice in Bollywood’s Argentina corner throughout the tournament.
Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan posted photos of himself showing his football skills in an Argentina jersey during the 2022 World Cup, and his love for the sport runs deeper than matchday. The actor is a regular participant in celebrity charity football matches in Mumbai and considers Messi a study in leadership and resilience. His social media during the 2026 tournament has reflected that admiration consistently as he continues to champion Argentina’s campaign.
With Argentina now through to the semifinals and Messi showing no signs of letting up, expect the celebrations in Mumbai’s film fraternity to grow louder. For Bollywood’s Argentina army, this World Cup feels personal.