Quick Summary
- 1The upcoming year is poised to be defined by a diverse group of influential figures spanning sports, entertainment, and politics.
- 2In the world of football, Lionel Messi continues to chase records, aiming for his sixth World Cup and seeking to surpass Miroslav Klose's scoring tally, while maintaining a stance of avoiding political commentary despite his immense cultural power.
- 3The entertainment sector will focus heavily on Rosalía, who is launching a massive global tour with high-demand tickets and ambitious plans to fill Madison Square Garden.
- 4Meanwhile, the Spanish political landscape faces a significant shift with the appointment of Teresa Peramato as the new fiscal general del Estado, tasked with rebuilding institutional trust following the controversial removal of her predecessor.
Quick Summary
The year 2026 is set to be dominated by a select group of individuals from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics. Lionel Messi remains a central figure, not for his words but for his actions on the field. At 38 years old, the Argentine star is focused on extending his record-breaking career, targeting a sixth World Cup appearance and the all-time scoring record. Unlike previous icons, Messi maintains a deliberate distance from political discourse, prioritizing his performance above all else.
In the cultural sphere, Rosalía is preparing for a significant career milestone with her 'Lux' tour. The Catalan artist has already seen tickets for her Spanish dates sell out in hours, signaling high anticipation for her international expansion, including a goal of selling out Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, the Spanish judicial system is undergoing a transition with Teresa Peramato taking over as the State's Attorney General. She faces the difficult task of healing a divided institution following the removal of her predecessor. Simultaneously, former politician José Luis Ábalos faces a starkly different reality, having been imprisoned in Soto del Real pending trial for corruption charges that could result in a 24-year sentence.
Lionel Messi: The Reluctant Icon 🏆
At 38 years old, Lionel Messi continues to define his legacy through athletic excellence rather than political or social commentary. While historical figures like Muhammad Ali or Diego Maradona are remembered for their iconic phrases and political stances, Messi's most viral moment remains the blunt 'andá pa allá, bobo' directed at Dutch footballer Wout Weghorst following Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in the Qatar World Cup. This interaction highlights a career defined by action rather than rhetoric.
Messi has consistently demonstrated a lack of interest in politics or marketing genius, focusing instead on his strengths on the pitch. He is characterized by his resilience, rarely complaining about fouls and almost never accepting defeat. His trophy cabinet is unmatched, featuring countless collective titles and a record number of Ballon d'Or awards, yet his ambition remains undiminished.
Looking ahead, Messi has specific targets he aims to achieve:
- Playing in his sixth World Cup
- Surpassing Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history (currently trailing 13 to 16)
- Continuing to lead Argentina at the highest level
His influence extends beyond the field, as demonstrated by his 2020 visit to the Camp Nou to confront the Barcelona board. That gesture was not political, but a raw display of power and influence, a language he speaks fluently without the need for words.
"andá pa allá, bobo"— Lionel Messi
Rosalía: Global Ambitions 🎵
Catalan artist Rosalía is launching her 'Lux' tour on March 16, starting in Lyon and concluding on September 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The tour includes significant stops in Spain, with four dates in Madrid and four in Barcelona. The demand for these shows was immediate, with tickets selling out in just two hours on December 11, with some resale prices reaching as high as 300 euros due to dynamic pricing models.
While specific details about the concert production remain scarce, there are hints of a cross-shaped stage and a performance style that continues to push boundaries. The tour represents a pivotal moment for Rosalía, who is aggressively pursuing a spot in the 'first division' of global music. Her primary objective is ambitious: to sell out two nights at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, cementing her status as a worldwide superstar.
Spanish Politics: A New Prosecutor 🏛️
Teresa Peramato, 63, assumed the role of State Attorney General on December 11, stepping into a position left vacant by the unprecedented removal of her predecessor, Álvaro García Ortiz. García Ortiz was the first attorney general to be removed from office following a conviction by the Supreme Court for revealing reserved data. This event has polarized the country, with some viewing the court's decision as a political maneuver by the right to undermine the government.
Peramato's primary challenge will be to heal the rift within the Fiscalía (Public Prosecutor's Office) and restore public trust in the institution. She brings 35 years of experience to the role, having previously served as the prosecutor for Violence against Women. Colleagues describe her as 'meticulous,' 'analytical,' and possessing a 'holistic vision of reality.' Her background in handling the complex and often contentious issue of gender violence is seen as ideal preparation for the task of 'sewing holes' in a fractured justice system.
The 'Koldo' Case: A Fall from Grace ⚖️
Former Transport Minister and Socialist Party (PSOE) organization secretary José Luis Ábalos has been held in Soto del Real prison since November 27. Once considered a 'strongman' within the party and a trusted ally of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Ábalos now faces a severe legal battle. The investigation centers on the 'Koldo' case, involving allegations of corruption within the Ministry of Transport.
The prosecution, led by Anticorruption, is seeking a prison sentence of 24 years and a fine exceeding 3.9 million euros. The investigation has established that businessman Víctor de Aldama or entities linked to him paid for a luxury villa in Cádiz for Ábalos's family in the summer of 2021, as well as covering the rent for an apartment. This marks a dramatic fall from grace for a man who once delivered the motion of censure against corruption on behalf of the government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lionel Messi aims to play in his sixth World Cup and break Miroslav Klose's record for most goals scored in World Cup history.
Teresa Peramato, formerly the prosecutor for Violence against Women, became the new State Attorney General on December 11.
José Luis Ábalos is detained in Soto del Real prison pending trial in the 'Koldo' corruption case, accused of receiving bribes in exchange for public contracts.
