At the FIFA World Cup 2026, a 100-year-old superfan known as 'Gangster Granny' has captured global attention with her unwavering devotion to football legend Lionel Messi. In videos shared by the popular Instagram page Pubity, Pauline Kana is seen cheering for Argentina and holding up handmade placards, including one that reads, 'Messi, will you marry me?' Remarkably, Messi noticed the sign and reacted, delighting fans worldwide.
Who is Pauline Kana?
Pauline Kana, a 100-year-old grandmother from an undisclosed location, first gained fame during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where she became a fan favorite for her energetic support of Messi and Argentina. According to Pubity, she has since traveled the world to follow her favorite player. Known as 'Gangster Granny,' she set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to crowd surf, proving that age is just a number.
Viral Moments at FIFA 2026
During the 2026 World Cup, Pauline continued her tradition of enthusiastic fandom. In addition to the marriage proposal placard, she was seen waving Argentine flags and celebrating goals. Her Instagram account, which she manages with help, shares behind-the-scenes moments from the stadium. The clips posted by Pubity have garnered millions of views, with captions highlighting her passion: 'At 100 years old, @rosssmith's grandma Pauline Kana is still traveling the world to support her favorite player, Lionel Messi.'
Netizens React
The internet has embraced Pauline with open arms. One user joked, 'She ain't Messing around.' Another commented, '2 Goats! Love that granny is living her best life.' A third added, 'Football brings everyone together.' Her story has inspired many, showing that fandom has no age limit.
Impact and Legacy
Pauline's presence at the World Cup underscores the unifying power of sports. Her record-breaking crowd surfing and cross-continent travels have made her a symbol of vitality. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await her next appearance, hoping to see more interactions with Messi. Her journey continues to prove that passion can transcend generations.
