"Messi - The Goat" conquers Kansas

Lionel Messi may be solidifying his position as the greatest player in football history with his dazzling World Cup performance, but in Kansas City, another “Messi”—a goat—is also attracting attention by grazing on weeds along the Missouri River.

"Messi - The Goat" conquers Kansas

Born just before the 2026 World Cup , the goat named "Messi" was given the Argentina national team jersey at a time when his namesake was consistently shining with 5 goals in 2 matches: a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory against Algeria in Kansas City and a brace to help Argentina beat Austria 2-0.

These performances once again heated up the familiar debate about who is the greatest player of all time – or the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time). In these debates, Lionel Messi is often compared to legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona.

Messi is shining in America. Photo: AP.

The Argentina national team is currently based in Kansas City during the World Cup, staying near the Berkley Riverfront. There, the four-legged "Messi" is part of a herd of goats used to clear invasive plants from a 55-acre industrial area being planned as part of a multi-billion dollar redevelopment project.

You may also like

Top spot in the group and a chance to win the World Cup: Who will history remember?TPO - After the group stage of the 2026 World Cup concluded, many teams have reason to be satisfied with finishing first in their groups. Although World Cup history shows that group stage performances don't determine everything, there are still noteworthy signs about the potential of teams to reach the top.

The 'second Messi' at the 2026 World Cup: Even without scoring, he'll still cause a sensation.While Lionel Messi continues to break records with the Argentine national team at the 2026 World Cup, another 'Messi' is also attracting attention in Kansas City, USA.

Will the FIFA president travel tens of thousands of kilometers, creating a 'split persona' at the 2026 World Cup?According to the BBC, FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended 24 group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup, enduring a packed travel schedule involving tens of thousands of kilometers of air travel.

The project, coordinated by Port KC, combines public funding for environmental remediation with private investment. At the heart of the project is CPKC Stadium, the home stadium of the Kansas City Current women's professional soccer team.

Kyle Alvis, owner of Goats Gone Green, a company that manages about 40 goats in the area, said:

“The goat Messi appeared when we brought our herd of goats here. The World Cup was going on, so everyone felt the city needed its own 'Messi'.”

Along the riverside path, many joggers and tourists often stop to take pictures of the goats grazing. According to Alvis, this is his second year collaborating with Port KC.

He explained, "They didn't want to use herbicides. There's the Missouri River nearby, so we didn't want chemicals flowing into the river. At the same time, people strolling along Berkley Riverfront have something interesting to see instead of just concrete and buildings."

Alvis admitted he didn't know much about soccer before the World Cup, but he saw the tournament helping to bring the community together in Kansas City – the smallest American city to host the 2026 World Cup.

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao.

Regarding the possibility of the two "Messi"s meeting, he said that invitations are always being sent to the Argentine superstar: "As far as I know, he hasn't visited yet. But if Lionel Messi wants to come and meet this little goat Messi, we would certainly be happy to welcome him."

Source: https://danviet.vn/messi-chu-de-chinh-phuc-kansas-d1437904.html