Lionel Messi's infamous pizza order, once dubbed the 'worst ever' by social media, has resurfaced during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old Argentina captain is making his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, reigniting interest in the viral moment from 2023.
The original viral post
In 2023, shortly after his transfer to Inter Miami, Messi shared a photo of his Friday night dinner on Instagram Stories. The post showed a 'Pizza Napolitana' from Banchero Miami, an Argentine pizzeria in Miami Beach. The image quickly went viral for its chaotic presentation and the timing of the post.
The pizza appeared to be a dry, cheese-less disc topped with thick tomato slices, large onion chunks, whole green olives, and dried oregano. Social media users were appalled, with many calling it the 'worst pizza ever'. However, food critics later explained that the pizza was traditional Argentine-style: a thick crust with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce hidden beneath the toppings.
Controversial timing
The post caused outrage among MLS fans because Messi shared it on a Friday evening, just before Inter Miami was scheduled to play a crucial away match against Atlanta United. Many fans had paid hundreds of dollars for secondary-market tickets hoping to see Messi play. His pizza post effectively revealed that he had not traveled with the team; he was officially rested due to minor muscle fatigue.
Without Messi, Atlanta United defeated Inter Miami 5-2, handing them their first loss of the Messi era. Atlanta's social media team trolled Messi by posting a picture of a pizza with tomato slices arranged in an 'L' shape, captioned: 'Here you have your pizza for the trip.'
Banchero Miami's windfall
Despite the backlash, Banchero Miami benefited immensely. The next day, hundreds of fans lined up to order Messi's exact £27 pizza. The restaurant updated its Instagram bio to read: 'Lionel Messi's favourite pizza!'
Resurfacing during World Cup
The story has now resurfaced amid the 2026 World Cup, which is jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July. This year's tournament features an expanded format with 48 national teams. A recent Instagram post recounting the saga amassed 101,000 likes.
Comments ranged from jokes—'It looks like a painting of a pizza by a 5-year-old' and 'Ikea pizza'—to defenses: 'It's a Pizza Napolitana, Argentine staple. Very good. Cold cut ham can also be added as well as pickled red bell peppers.' Another user added: 'That's how they eat pizza in Argentina, it's honestly not bad I've had it in Buenos Aires.'
