“FIFA Princess” blew up after the 2022 World Cup, and now it’s back in full force for 2026 — only this time the pink princess dresses are AI-generated.
The nickname started as a salty joke from rival fans who swore FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino were bending over backwards to help Messi win. Every penalty, every missed yellow card, every favorable referee call — it all got chalked up to “FIFA’s princess” getting the royal treatment.
Usage & Context
“FIFA Princess” is a sarcastic nickname for Lionel Messi used by rival fans who believe FIFA gives him preferential treatment in World Cup matches, refereeing decisions, and awards.
The term shows up in football discourse on X, Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook whenever Messi gets a call that rivals think he didn’t deserve. It’s not a compliment — it’s a dig wrapped in a tiara. Fans use it to mock both Messi and FIFA, suggesting the governing body treats him like royalty on the pitch.
The meme format has evolved into AI-generated images and edits showing Messi dressed in pink princess gowns, tiaras, and fairy-tale outfits while Infantino showers him with affection. Counter-memes from Messi fans fire back by giving Cristiano Ronaldo and other rivals similar feminine-coded nicknames, turning the whole thing into an endless rivalry flame war.
X post: “Blatant handball, no yellow card. If this was Cristiano he’d be sent to prison but FIFA’s princess gets a pass as usual 💀”
Instagram comment: “Messi in a princess dress holding hands with Infantino is the most accurate football edit I’ve ever seen”
Group chat: “another penalty for argentina i’m telling you fifa’s princess owns this tournament”
TikTok caption: “POV: you’re FIFA’s princess and the ref just looked the other way”
Origin Story
The nickname first surfaced during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as Argentina progressed through the tournament. Rival fans — particularly Ronaldo and Real Madrid supporters — started using “FIFA’s Princess” to accuse FIFA of biased refereeing in Messi’s favor.
The earliest known use came from Twitter account RonaldoSZN_ on December 9th, 2022: “Blatant handball, no yellow card. If this was Cristiano he’d be sent to prison but FIFA’s princess gets a pass as usual.” That post has since been deleted, but the phrase stuck. Madridista_Total piled on December 18th with “Another penalty for Argentina inside 20 minutes 😂😂😂 They aren’t even hiding it anymore. Just hand the trophy to FIFA’s princess already.”
The nickname kept circulating through 2023 — Facebook user Uthmaan Uti Hendricks commented on May 13th, 2023, “Reasons why his fifas princess, cause the allow him to do all this and no cards,” and Twitter user jgfloresss used it on October 30th to claim Messi’s Ballon d’Or was rigged.
By April 3rd, 2025, it had gone fully mainstream: TNT Sports México posted a photo of LAFC fans holding “FIFA princess” banners at a Galaxy match, racking up 1.4 million views. Then on June 21st, 2025, Instagram account tirodirectosi posted an AI action figure meme of Messi as the FIFA Princess, pulling 45,800 likes.
Cultural Significance
The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought “FIFA Princess” roaring back. On June 29th, 2026, Twitter user ClinchRMCF posted a meme showing Messi in full princess attire holding hands with Infantino, and it pulled 27,100 views and 2,200 likes in two weeks. The meme format has shifted from simple text posts to elaborate AI-generated edits that depict the two in increasingly absurd romantic scenarios.
GEBILAOWANG’s take: the whole “FIFA Princess” thing isn’t really about Messi — it’s about every football fan’s deep-seated belief that the system is rigged against their team. Messi just happens to be the guy sitting on the throne this time.
Related Slang
- Dictator Mbappé — The other football meme nickname from the 2026 World Cup, joking about Mbappé’s commanding on-pitch presence.
- I know ball — What fans claim when posting their hottest FIFA Princess takes.
- Mogging — What Messi does to defenders, princess dress or not.
- Delulu — The exact mindset of fans who think their team would’ve won if the refs weren’t biased.
- Aura — The intangible presence that makes people argue about Messi in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “FIFA Princess” mean on TikTok?
It’s a sarcastic nickname for Lionel Messi used by rival fans who believe FIFA gives him preferential treatment in World Cup matches, refereeing decisions, and awards.
Where did “FIFA Princess” come from?
It emerged during the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Twitter/X, when rival fans started using it to accuse FIFA of biased refereeing in favor of Messi and Argentina.
Is “FIFA Princess” still used in 2026?
Yes — it saw a major resurgence during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with AI-generated edits of Messi in princess outfits going viral across Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Is “FIFA Princess” an insult?
It’s used sarcastically by rival fans to mock both Messi and FIFA. Messi fans typically reject the label and fire back with similar nicknames for Cristiano Ronaldo and other rivals.
What’s the connection between “FIFA Princess” and Gianni Infantino?
The meme often pairs Messi with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, depicting Infantino as doting on Messi like a king doting on his princess — emphasizing the perceived favoritism.
Pronunciation
/ˈfiːfə ˈprɪnsɛs/
Sources
- Know Your Meme — “Lionel Messi FIFA Princess” https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/lionel-messi-fifa-princess
- Know Your Meme — “What Is The ‘FIFA Princess’ Meme?” https://knowyourmeme.com/editorials/guides/what-is-the-fifa-princess-meme-how-lionel-messi-got-the-nickname-fifas-princess-explained
- Know Your Meme — “Lionel Messi” (person topic) https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/people/lionel-messi
