This thrilling new nonfiction graphic novel series offers a front row seat to the greatest moments in sports history, starting with Lionel Messi and his triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup against French superstar Kylian Mbappé.
LIONEL MESSI’S WORLD CUP TRIUMPH
(History’s Greatest Games #1)
by Chris Barish
illustrated By Nate Sweitzer
Abrams Fanfare, March 2026
Age Range: 8 – 12
It’s the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, and Lionel Messi—one of the greatest players to ever take the field—is one match away from victory. Despite his many awards and accolades, Messi has never been able to add a World Cup trophy to his collection. If Argentina wins, this would be a historic moment not just for the country, but for the entire legacy of soccer on the international stage. Travel back in time to learn how the World Cup began and see the incredible players—from Maradona to Mbappé—who built it into the global phenomenon we know today.
This exciting new graphic novel series offers a portal to the past, putting young readers in the middle of the most epic moments in sports history. Along with action-packed games and nail-biting victories, this series zooms out to explore the incredible backstories, social and political issues, and larger historical context that truly make these games the greatest in history.
This will be the first graphic novel to tell his incredible story for middle-grade readers. Along with play-by-play scenes from actual games, Chris Barish expertly adds trivia, fun facts, and historical context that soccer fans will love.
When Chris Barish is not reading about sports or history, he’s writing about sports history. Much like the first person who ever put together the chocolate and the marshmallow, he realized that it was possible to combine his two favorite things to make an even cooler thing. Barish currently lives in New York with his family, in a house filled with sports gear, books, instruments and lots of muddy boots.
Nate Sweitzer became an illustrator shortly after he could hold a pencil. His work bridges the past and present, blending techniques from art history with fresh approaches from the digital world. He brings human stories to life with dynamic illustrations full of action, suspense, and striking perspectives. A lifelong fan of history and sports, Nate draws inspiration from the drama of real-life events and athletes competing at the highest level. He works out of his studio in New York, creating artwork for books, magazines, and posters. When he’s away from his desk, you’ll likely find him exploring the outdoors, watching sports, or stubbornly refusing to change his guitar strings.
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