Injured Swiss star Manzambi leaves World Cup with Messi’s jersey — and a smile

Switzerland’s World Cup dream ended in extra time on Saturday, falling 3-1 to defending champions Argentina in a tense quarter-final thriller. But for one Swiss player, the tournament ended with a consolation prize most footballers only dream of.

Johan Manzambi, the 20-year-old Swiss wonderkid who has been one of the revelations of the 2026 World Cup, watched the entire match from the bench. A left knee injury sustained before the round-of-16 clash against Colombia ruled him out of his nation’s biggest match in 72 years. Yet as his teammates trudged off the Arrowhead Stadium pitch in defeat, Manzambi was spotted walking through the mixed zone clutching something precious — a sky-blue Argentina jersey with the iconic number 10 on the back.

It was Lionel Messi’s.

A Consolation Prize for a Breakout Star

Manzambi had been Switzerland’s standout performer throughout the tournament, scoring three goals and providing two assists in four appearances. His absence was keenly felt against the reigning champions. But after the final whistle, the young forward approached Messi and asked for his shirt. The Argentine captain — who had just guided his team to another semifinal — obliged.

As Manzambi made his way past reporters, they called out: “Please, can you open it?”. The Swiss forward complied, unfolding the jersey with a broad smile to reveal Messi’s famous number 10. Despite the heartbreak of elimination and the frustration of being sidelined, Manzambi could not hide his joy.

Not the Only Lucky Recipient

Manzambi was not the only person to leave Kansas City with a piece of Messi history. Italian legend Roberto Baggio — the 1994 World Cup winner and one of football’s all-time greats — was also gifted a jersey by Messi, reportedly the actual match-worn shirt. Baggio later posted a photo on Instagram posing with Messi and the shirt, writing: “Thank you Leo for your precious gift and your affection. I love you, my friend”.

The bond between Messi and Baggio dates back years, forged through Pep Guardiola — who was Baggio’s teammate at Brescia during the 2001-02 season and later arranged a meeting between the two footballers in 2010.

A Defining Image of the World Cup

For Manzambi, the jersey represents more than just a souvenir. It is a symbol of respect from the greatest player of all time to one of the tournament’s brightest young talents. The image of the injured Swiss star smiling as he displayed Messi’s shirt — even as his team’s campaign ended — has become one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 World Cup.

And yet, there are still those who claim nobody likes Messi. This moment, like so many others, suggests otherwise.

Argentina now advance to a semifinal clash against England on Wednesday — a fixture loaded with history and rivalry. For Manzambi, the tournament is over. But he leaves with a memory that will last a lifetime, and a shirt that money simply cannot buy.