Lionel Messi documentary review: Apple TV+ World Cup 'Rise of a Legend' full episodes breakdown

While many already backed Lionel Messi as the greatest soccer player ever to take the field, he seemingly cemented that legacy by accomplishing the one task he had yet to achieve.

In December of 2022, Messi led Argentina back to the summit of international football, winning his first World Cup title at the age of 36 and securing his nation's first global championship since Diego Maradona's triumph in 1986.

The accomplishment toppled the only true remaining criticism of Messi's career, and brought his nation a torrent of joy and euphoria. Apple TV+ has released a four-part docuseries to retell that story: Messi's World Cup: Rise of a Legend.

It is released on February 21 for all Apple TV+ subscribers. Apple TV+, which also carries every Inter Miami MLS game, is also offering a free trial which means you can try it — and watch the doc — before you buy it. 

The Sporting News was afforded early access to the docuseries, with a review below detailing where the show triumphs and where it falls short.

WATCH THE MESSI DOCUMENTARY

The task the Apple TV+ docuseries set out to accomplish was difficult: document something many soccer fans remember fondly from less than 18 months ago. In this setting, it is burdensome to add depth to a story with which many who are watching will be familiar.

In that, the task was largely accomplished. Although it finishes with a bit of a thud, Messi's World Cup: Rise of a Legend does well to take both rare native footage and genuine interviews with Leo's Argentina teammates to weave an informative and enjoyable inner look into his World Cup journey to cap off one of the greatest careers of all time.

While the show struggles to pierce the armor of the deeply private Messi himself — a feat, in fairness, few if