Pauline Kana, a 100-year-old fan from Ohio, captured the spotlight at World Cup 2026 on 23/6. Her image, holding a sign that read "100-year-old Messi fan," appeared on the stadium screen during the match between Argentina and Austria, drawing attention from spectators. Born in 1926, Kana and her family are regular fixtures in the stands at tournaments featuring the Argentine forward. Despite her age, she maintains a habit of attending soccer games, according to her family.

Kana draws attention holding a sign cheering for Messi. Photo: Bolavip

Kana's dedication to Messi intensified after his move to the US in 2023 to play for Inter Miami. She became a frequent attendee at the club's games. In early 2024, a photo of her holding a sign with a "marriage proposal" for Messi went viral. Messi responded to the sign with a smile and a wave, a moment that garnered many views across social media platforms.

Beyond her soccer fandom, the online community widely recognizes Kana by her nickname, "gangster grandma." She and her grandson, Ross Smith, created a social media channel that has attracted millions of followers through videos and online challenges. In 5/2026, Guinness World Records officially recognized her as the oldest person to participate in a crowd surf at a concert in Texas, US.

During the match against Austria on 23/6, the Argentine national team secured a victory with two goals from Lionel Messi. These two goals increased his total World Cup tally to 18, surpassing the previous record of 16 goals held by former German player Miroslav Klose.

Video of Kana holding a "marriage proposal" sign for Messi, to which the player responded, went viral on social media. Video: Nhat Minh (via Bolavip, Canal26)