Sergio Ramos has mocked Messi by recreating the Argentina star’s iconic World Cup shot

Fresh off Spain’s triumph over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Sergio Ramos celebrated in a way soccer fans have quickly become familiar with. The former Spain captain shared a series of photos on Instagram a 1-0 victory for the countrybut one image stood out above the rest. Ramos was pictured sleeping with two World Cup trophies next to each other, a playful rip-off of Lionel Messi’s viral photo following Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup.

The post appeared to be a humble nod to Messi, whose original image of sleeping next to the World Cup trophy became one of the defining moments following Argentina’s victory in Qatar. While the recreation probably didn’t match the extraordinary popularity of Messi’s post, it immediately caught the attention of soccer fans familiar with the link.

Ramos and Messi have spent more than a decade on opposite sides of one of football’s fiercest rivalries, representing Real Madrid and Barcelona during the height of El Clasico. However, they shared a dressing room when both men were part of Paris Saint-Germain before Messi left the team to join MLS in 2023.

After winning the World Cup with Spain in 2010, Ramos now has reason to celebrate a second title for his country. Spain’s latest triumph in 2026 doubled the nation’s World Cup tally following their first success 16 years ago, when Andres Iniesta’s extra-time strike sealed a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in South Africa.

Ramos wasn’t the only Spaniard to mention Messi’s iconic celebration. Midfielder Fabian Ruiz also restored a famous image as he traveled home with the World Cup trophy, adding another light-hearted tribute to Spain’s title celebrations.

Messi’s original photo, taken after Argentina finally ended its long wait for World Cup glory in 2022, showed him sleeping with the trophy tucked in his arms. The image became one of the most shared moments of the tournament and has since become an enduring symbol of its crowning achievement.

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Published on:

23 Jul 2026 11:18 IST