(VIDEO) LEGO Preorders Open for Messi, Ronaldo Sets Ahead of 2026 World Cup

LEGO has launched preorders for a star-studded collection of FIFA World Cup 2026-themed sets featuring football icons Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, offering fans the chance to build detailed tributes to the players just months before the tournament kicks off in North America.

The new LEGO Editions line, unveiled Thursday, includes nine sets ranging from compact "Football Highlights" dioramas to larger "Football Legend" sculptures and a massive wall-art celebration piece dedicated to Messi. Preorders are now open on LEGO.com and select retailers, with most sets scheduled to ship starting May 1, 2026, and one premium Messi model arriving June 1.

The collection builds on LEGO's growing partnership with FIFA, following earlier releases of the official World Cup trophy and a large soccer ball set. It aims to capture the personalities and careers of the game's biggest stars through creative brick builds, hidden Easter eggs and collectible minifigures.

For Messi fans, options include the 500-piece Lionel Messi – Football Highlights (set 43011, $29.99), built on an M-shaped base in Argentina's sky blue and white colors with his iconic No. 10 jersey number. The set features a moment of "Messi magic," a minifigure and subtle references to his journey from Newell's Old Boys through Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami.

A larger 958-piece Lionel Messi – Soccer Legend (set 43015, $79.99) offers a posable display figure with multiple build options, including victory poses. The standout 1,427-piece Lionel Messi – Celebration (set 43018, $179.99) doubles as 3D wall art depicting his signature celebration, packed with career Easter eggs.

Ronaldo receives similar treatment. The 490-piece Cristiano Ronaldo – Football Highlights (set 43012, $29.99) uses an R-shaped base in Portugal's colors, highlighting his CR7 branding and career milestones with a minifigure and plaque. The 854-piece Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer Legend (set 43016, $79.99) provides a detailed, adjustable sculpture.

Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior each get their own Football Highlights sets (around 490-510 pieces, $29.99), capturing signature moments with national team color schemes and minifigures. Additional items include the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Emblem (set 43032, $24.99) and a 2026 U.S. Soccer National Team Jersey build (set 43033, $24.99).

LEGO described the sets as a way to bring fans closer to the action and celebrate the magic of football ahead of the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The sets incorporate new molded faces for the minifigures and printed elements for authenticity.

"LEGO tells my story," Mbappé said in promotional materials, reflecting the personal touch in each build. Ronaldo and Messi, widely expected to feature in what could be their final World Cup, are central to the marketing, with exclusive content showing the stars themselves building the official trophy set.

The timing aligns perfectly with rising World Cup excitement. With the tournament less than three months away after the May 1 release, the sets offer collectors and young fans a tangible way to engage with the sport's biggest names. Prices range from $24.99 for smaller emblem and jersey sets to $179.99 for the premium Messi wall art, making them accessible across age groups and budgets.

LEGO's Editions theme, launched in recent years for premium, display-oriented builds, has proven popular with adult fans and collectors. These football sets continue that trend while appealing to younger builders through the inclusion of minifigures and interactive elements.

Hidden details add replay value. The Messi Highlights set includes nods to his early career and major trophies, while Ronaldo's build traces his path from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and back to Al-Nassr. Similar Easter eggs appear in the Mbappé and Vini Jr. models.

The collection also ties into broader LEGO FIFA licensing, which has included stadium-inspired builds and the popular trophy set released earlier. Fans can combine pieces across the line for larger displays.

Retail availability includes LEGO.com, Amazon and select stores, with household purchase limits on some premium sets to ensure fair access. LEGO Insiders members can earn points on preorders.

The announcement has generated significant buzz on social media, with football fans and LEGO enthusiasts sharing excitement over the detailed minifigures and display potential. Some collectors noted the sets as ideal gifts for aspiring players or dedicated supporters ahead of summer viewing parties.

Critics of high toy prices may view the larger sets as premium investments, but LEGO emphasized the quality of materials, posability and collectible value. The sets target ages 10+ to 14+, reflecting their complexity.

This release underscores LEGO's strategy to collaborate with global icons and tie products to major sporting events. Previous sports lines, including basketball and soccer themes, have performed strongly.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the sets could see heightened demand, especially if Messi or Ronaldo deliver memorable performances. The tournament's expanded 48-team format adds further global interest.

For parents and gift-givers, the sets blend education, creativity and fandom. Building encourages fine motor skills and storytelling, while the football theme promotes engagement with the sport.

LEGO has not disclosed sales projections, but the star power of Messi and Ronaldo — two of the most recognized athletes worldwide — suggests strong appeal. The inclusion of younger stars Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior broadens the collection's generational reach.

Preorders remain open with shipping from May 1 for most items. Fans are advised to check LEGO.com for regional pricing and availability, as currency conversions and taxes vary.

The new line joins other 2026 World Cup merchandise, including apparel and video games, in building anticipation for the summer spectacle.

Whether displaying a posable Messi legend figure or piecing together a detailed highlights diorama, the sets offer football lovers a creative way to celebrate their heroes year-round.

As excitement mounts for the tournament, LEGO's timely release provides a brick-built bridge between the pitch and playroom, immortalizing the game's current greats in plastic form.