Cartoonist Captures the Beautiful Game's Biggest Personalities
David Squires, the World Cup's unofficial artist-in-residence, has once again turned his acerbic pen toward the tournament's most magnetic figures. In his latest strip for The Guardian, Squires imagines Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo as larger-than-life protagonists in a footballing fable, blending reverence with the biting satire that has made him a cult hero among fans. The cartoon arrives as the group stage hurtles toward its climax, with household names seizing the spotlight in contrasting fashion.
"It's the week when the superstars really start to separate themselves from the mere mortals," Squires said, as reported by The Guardian. "But I can't help imagining them all stuck in a waiting room, arguing over who gets the last slice of orange."
The artwork serves as a cultural barometer for a tournament that has already produced indelible moments, from Messi's record-breaking exploits to Mbappe's electric bursts and Ronaldo's hunger for a final World Cup goal.
Heroes and Record-Breakers
Messi has been the talk of the week, eclipsing yet another milestone by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups. The Argentine maestro, now 39, rolled back the years with a sublime free-kick that left fans and teammates alike in awe. Squires depicts him as a deity floating above the pitch, a nod to the almost supernatural aura he still commands.
Mbappe, meanwhile, has been France's relentless engine. The 27-year-old's hat-trick against Saudi Arabia showcased why he remains the most feared forward on the planet. Squires’ panel shows Mbappe as a blur of motion, outrunning even his own speech bubbles—a visual pun that resonates with anyone who has watched his devastating speed.
Not to be outdone, England's Elliot Anderson has emerged as an unlikely hero. The midfielder, once a quiet schoolboy on Tyneside, has become integral to Thomas Tuchel's plans. Squires includes a tender sketch of Anderson’s journey, from schoolyard prodigy to World Cup starter, with a caption that reads: "The bet that was never placed."
Villains and The Weight of Expectation
While some stars soar, others wobble under the weight of expectation. Portugal's Ronaldo, still searching for his first goal of the tournament, is gently mocked by Squires as a lonely figure practicing his trademark "Siuuu" celebration in an empty room. The cartoon comes ahead of Portugal's crucial Group K clash against Uzbekistan, where the 41-year-old will be desperate to break his duck.
Managerial mind games also get the Squires treatment. A panel shows Roberto Martinez, the Portugal boss, reminiscing about his early days at Motherwell—a callback to a recent BBC feature—while a bewildered Ronaldo looks on, seemingly questioning how Scottish barbershops prepared his coach for this moment.
Uzbekistan, the underdogs, are portrayed as plucky heroes in their own right, with Squires drawing their defenders as impassable mountains. The sentiment echoes the widespread hope that they can produce an upset, adding a layer of tension to the fixture.
What’s Next for the Big Names?
As the group stage concludes, all eyes will be on whether Ronaldo can finally find the net. Portugal vs Uzbekistan kicks off at 8pm local time (ET) on Tuesday, with live coverage available on the BBC in the UK. Follow the match on our live score page. Messi and Argentina have already secured their passage to the knockout rounds, while Mbappe’s France look poised to top Group D.
Squires’ cartoon leaves fans with a poignant reminder: for all the glamour and records, football’s biggest names remain gloriously human—prone to frustration, failure and the occasional absurdity. It’s a theme that will surely resurface as the drama intensifies.
Key Takeaways
- David Squires’ latest Guardian cartoon satirizes Messi, Mbappe and Ronaldo, highlighting their contrasting World Cup fortunes.
- Lionel Messi has broken yet another record by scoring in his sixth World Cup, while Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick underlined his dominance.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is still seeking his first goal of the tournament, with Portugal facing a tricky test against Uzbekistan.
- Elliot Anderson’s rise with England provides a feel-good subplot, immortalized in Squires’ artwork.
- The cartoon captures the pressure and personality of the World Cup’s biggest stars as the knockout stage looms.
Quick Facts
Cartoonist: David Squires, The Guardian
Players Featured: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Elliot Anderson
Upcoming Fixture: Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Group K, June 23, 2026
Messi Record: First player to score in six different World Cups
Mbappe Hat-trick: Against Saudi Arabia in group stage
