The new short documentary revisits Diego Maradona’s final visit to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, while Disney+ also spotlights Messi: The Lost Tape as part of its FIFA World Cup 2026 programming.

As part of its FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, ESPN is expanding its storytelling offering on Disney+ with a slate of football documentaries, headlined by a new ESPN Films production chronicling Diego Armando Maradona’s final visit to Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium.

Premiering on June 29, the short documentary follows Maradona’s emotional return to the venue where he cemented his legacy during the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Built around previously unseen archival footage, the film captures what would become the Argentine legend’s only visit back to the stadium after lifting the World Cup trophy, revisiting the place where he reached the pinnacle of his career.

The documentary also highlights the significance of the Azteca Stadium, which will make history in 2026 as the first venue to host matches in three FIFA World Cups.

Disney+ is also featuring Messi: The Lost Tape, a documentary that tells the story behind the VHS tape that helped shape Lionel Messi’s international future.

The film recounts how, in 2004, when the then-16-year-old Barcelona prospect was close to obtaining Spanish citizenship, a Barça TV journalist compiled a VHS featuring Messi’s best plays and delivered it to a member of Argentina’s national team’s coaching staff. The footage ultimately prompted the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to quickly organize two friendly matches to secure Messi’s commitment to Argentina before Spain could make its move.

The documentary reveals the behind-the-scenes story of one of the most decisive moments in international football, offering previously untold details about how Argentina secured the player who would go on to become a world champion.

The World Cup-themed documentary lineup on Disney+ also includes titles such as Muchachos: La película de la genteand La Gran Final, complementing ESPN’s multiplatform coverage of the tournament with stories that go beyond the action on the pitch.

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An analysis by Dataxis, highlights how the company is strengthening its sports offering in Europe and Oceania through new partnerships, ESPN integration, and the expansion of its sports portfolio across more than 50 markets.

Disney continues to deepen its strategy of making sports one of the main growth drivers for Disney+ outside North America. According to an analysis by Guillaume Perrin, Principal Analyst at Dataxis, the company is expanding its presence across Europe and Oceania through new partnerships and by integrating ESPN content directly into its streaming platform.

The latest move came last week in France, where Disney signed an agreement with sports media group L’Équipe to introduce, for the first time in the country, a live linear channel as part of the Disney+ subscription. Through this partnership, subscribers will gain access to La Chaîne L’Équipe, featuring live coverage of motorsports, athletics, winter sports, daily sports talk shows, and sports documentaries.

According to Perrin, the deal is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening Disney+’s sports proposition without launching a standalone direct-to-consumer version of ESPN in international markets.

Australia and New Zealand served as the first testing grounds for this approach in 2025, when Disney launched an ESPN hub directly within the Disney+ interface. The integration gave subscribers access to thousands of hours of live sports, ESPN and ESPN2 linear channels, highlights, documentaries, and flagship studio programming.

The analyst notes that both markets were particularly attractive because Disney already controlled ESPN’s sports rights portfolio in the region, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, and several international competitions.

Through this strategy, Disney aims to strengthen Disney+’s competitive position against sports-focused services such as Kayo and Stan Sport, while also differentiating itself from broader entertainment platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video, both of which have increased their investments in sports content.

The strategy continues to gain momentum. Two months ago, Disney announced the expansion of ESPN on Disney+ across more than 50 countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific, underscoring the growing importance of sports within the platform’s global strategy and its role in driving subscriber acquisition and retention in international markets.

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The ESPN-produced documentary reveals the pivotal moment that shaped Lionel Messi’s international future. It premieres on June 10 on Disney+.

Messi: The Lost Tape, the ESPN Films documentary that uncovers one of the most decisive and little-known stories in modern football, premieres this Wednesday, June 10, on Disney+ via ESPN.

The documentary explores the key moment that shaped Lionel Messi’s international career and ultimately changed the course of global football.

In 2004, when internet access was still far from widespread, news of a young Argentine player making waves in Spain had barely reached his home country. At just 16 years old, Messi was beginning to attract attention at FC Barcelona, while many in Argentina remained unaware of his extraordinary talent. The Argentine Football Association could not understand how a player of such potential—who was also in the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship—had yet to represent any national team.

To showcase his abilities, a Barça TV journalist compiled Messi’s best plays onto a VHS tape, which was personally delivered to an assistant coach of the Argentina national team in the hope that it would help earn him a call-up.

That tape traveled across the world and triggered a crucial decision between Spain and Argentina, giving rise to a story never before told in a documentary: how the Argentine Football Association swiftly organized two friendly matches with a single objective—to secure Lionel Messi’s future with the Argentina national team.

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The documentary chronicles the ascent of FC Barcelona women’s football club. It will premiere in the US on May 23 on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and streaming on ESPN+; and internationally on ESPN and Disney+.

ESPN Films and Wakai announce the global premiere of FC Barcelona: Soñar, jugar y ganar, a 45-minute documentary chronicling the ascent of FC Barcelona to one of the most decorated women’s clubs in European football and a global symbol of excellence, identity and empowerment.

The documentary premieres in the US on Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and streaming on ESPN+. Internationally, it will be available on ESPN linear and on Disney+ in select markets beginning Friday, May 22.

Structured in three acts – “Dream,” “Play,” and “Win” – the film tells the story of a group of women who redefined perceptions of football, broke barriers and became role models for an entire generation. It follows the team’s evolution from its early years to the club turning professional in 2015 and its ascent as a three-time UEFA Women’s Champions League champion as it battled European archrival Olympique de Lyon in four unforgettable finals. Through candid interviews and intimate access, FC Barcelona: Soñar, jugar y ganar captures the sacrifices, setbacks and triumphs that helped define the club’s spirit.

The premiere arrives ahead of the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, where FC Barcelona will face Olympique Lyonnais on Saturday, May 23 at noon ET on ESPN Deportes, at Ullevål Stadion in Oslo, Norway. ESPN will provide coverage of the final across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

“The ascent of FC Barcelona has stirred a cultural movement, inspiring a new generation of fans,” said Freddy Rolón, Head of Global Sports & Talent at ESPN. “As ESPN continues to expand its global futbol storytelling efforts, this documentary offers a unique opportunity to go beyond the pitch and showcase the journey of a team that has become a symbol of excellence in women’s sports.”

“This documentary reflects more than two years of work by the Wakai team, driven by our passion for discovering and telling stories that transcend sport”, said David Quintana, CEO of Wakai. “Developing this project alongside a partner like ESPN and Disney not only gives us an incredible opportunity but also allows audiences around the world to experience a story, and a team, as special as this one.”

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Alongside ESPN Deportes’ coverage, the incremental telecast on Univision will expand access for millions of Spanish-speaking fans across the US.

ESPN, the rightsholder for Super Bowl LXI, has reached an agreement with TelevisaUnivision for broadcast rights in the United States, resulting in two Spanish-language telecasts for America’s biggest game. Under the agreement, ESPN Deportes and Univision will each produce and air separate Spanish-language presentations, including dedicated commentary teams for each broadcast. ESPN and ABC will air the English-language telecast.

“We’re pleased to collaborate with TelevisaUnivision to expand access to Super Bowl LXI for Spanish-speaking fans across the U.S.,” said Oscar Ramos, Vice President of Digital Content and ESPN Deportes. “ESPN Deportes has a long history of serving NFL fans in the Hispanic community, and presenting Super Bowl LXI through multiple Spanish-language telecasts builds on that commitment.”

“Hispanic audiences bring an unmatched energy and passion to the sports they love, and their fandom for the NFL has grown significantly,” said Olek Loewenstein, President of Sports at TelevisaUnivision. “We’re excited to be teaming up with ESPN to deliver the Super Bowl to Hispanic America – elevating the viewing experience with coverage that connects, in-culture and in-language.”

The collaboration significantly expands Spanish-language access to Super Bowl LXI, making the game available to millions of Spanish-speaking fans across the U.S. through the combined reach of ESPN Deportes and Univision and further adds to ESPN’s Year of the Super Bowl.

Launched immediately following this past Super Bowl, ESPN’s Year of the Super Bowl, created in collaboration with the NFL, has already delivered early marquee moments, marking the start of one of the most ambitious cross-company initiatives in ESPN and Disney history. Expansive content, storytelling, and fan-first experiences will continue to roll out throughout the year, building momentum toward Super Bowl LXI on ESPN and ABC in February 2027.

Super Bowl LXI marks ESPN Deportes’ fourth Super Bowl presentation and comes as ESPN prepares for its first Super Bowl production. ESPN Deportes’ year-round NFL coverage includes exclusive Spanish-language Monday Night Football telecasts, multiple playoff games, and studio programming, serving fans throughout the regular season and postseason.

TelevisaUnivision will bring Super LXI to Univision following its historic, first-ever national Spanish-language broadcast of an NFL game for Super Bowl LVIII, and represents the next step in its decades-long partnership with the NFL as a free-to-air media partner in Mexico.

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The veteran ESPN producer to lead studio and live event Spanish-language production in Mexico for ESPN Deportes and ESPN Mexico.

Manuel Cerdeira, an ESPN veteran of more than 15 years, has been named Vice President of Production in Mexico for ESPN Deportes and ESPN Mexico.

In his new role, Cerdeira will lead all aspects of production in Mexico for ESPN Deportes and ESPN Mexico, including studio shows such as Fútbol Picante, SportsCenter, Equipo F, Generación, and others, as well as all live events produced for both markets. He will also oversee the Mexico Talent Office and guide the strategic production vision, ensuring editorial alignment for ESPN Deportes and Mexico.

Cerdeira will report directly to Rodolfo Martinez, Senior Vice President, International and ESPN Deportes Production.

Most recently, Cerdeira served as Coordinating Producer, overseeing both studio and live productions and playing a key role in aligning editorial and operational efforts across Mexico-based teams. His leadership has ensured consistent production quality while adapting to the evolving demands of multiplatform content.

“Manu has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of ESPN’s Spanish-language production across the U.S., Mexico, and Central America,” said Martínez. “His decade-plus leadership of SportsCenter and his editorial vision across studio and live programming have helped shape how we serve Spanish-speaking sports fans across platforms. Manu is a respected leader and a true product of ESPN’s internal talent development. I’m excited to see him thrive in this next chapter, one that signals an exciting new phase for our ESPN Deportes and ESPN Mexico team.”

Cerdeira joined ESPN in 2003 as a production assistant. During his tenure, he has held every key role in ESPN’s production operation, from highlight supervisor to associate producer, producer and coordinating producer.

He was one of the original producers to launch ESPN Deportes, helping define how the brand connects with Spanish-language sports fans in the U.S. For over a decade, Cerdeira also led the production and editorial direction of SportsCenter, transforming it into a dynamic, multi-edition franchise that at times delivered 11 editions, an achievement that helped solidify ESPN’s footprint in the region.

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Viewers will have the opportunity to bundle ESPN’s DTC Unlimited Offering and FOX One, starting October 2.

ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service and FOX One, announced an agreement that will give consumers the opportunity to purchase the two services bundled together starting October 2 for $39.99 per month.

“Working with FOX One on this bundle offer allows us to bring ESPN’s world-class sports content to even more fans in a seamless and innovative way,” said Sean Breen, EVP, Disney Platform Distribution. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering premium experiences across platforms and meeting consumers where they are – anytime, anywhere.”

“Announcing ESPN as our first bundle partner is evidence of our desire to deliver the best possible value and viewing experience to our shared customers,” said Tony Billetter, SVP, Strategy and Business Development, FOX Direct to Consumer. “Viewers will have access to an incredible portfolio of content through this bundle, including NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, College Football and Basketball, NASCAR, INDYCAR, UFC, as well as the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and more as we continue to look for opportunities to streamline the user experience, especially for the ultimate sports fan.”

The ESPN DTC offering will give fans access to all of ESPN’s linear networks – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes – in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, SECN+, and ACCNX, covering 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, as well as newly expanded NFL content and more.

FOX One will bring all of FOX’s leading News, Sports and Entertainment branded content together in one dynamic streaming platform. For the first time, cord-cutters and cord-nevers will have live streaming and on-demand access to the real-time thrills, bold voices, and defining stories across the full portfolio of FOX brands including FOX News Channel, FOX Business, FOX Weather, FOX Sports, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, FOX Deportes, FOX Local Stations and the FOX Network as well as the option to bundle FOX Nation and B1G+ within one platform.

The ESPN DTC offering and FOX One service will both individually become available to consumers beginning August 21 and the combined bundle will be available for purchase beginning on October 2.

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ESPN’s Direct-to-Consumer Service And Enhanced App Launching August 21. All of ESPN. All in One Place. Ahead of Marquee Sports Season.

ESPN will launch its new previously announced direct-to-consumer streaming service on Thursday, August 21, bringing the full suite of ESPN networks and services – within an enhanced ESPN App with new, personalized features and functionality – directly to fans.

Timed for a marquee stretch of live sports programming across ESPN platforms, the launch of ESPN DTC coincides with the start of the college football and NFL seasons, US Open tennis, international soccer, women’s college soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and more – with the start of the WNBA playoffs, PLL playoffs, and NBA and NHL seasons, as well as UFC and WWE events just around the corner.

Designed to give fans more choice and flexibility, ESPN DTC will offer two plans, including an unlimited plan for $29.99/month that gives fans access to all of ESPN’s linear networks – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes – in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX, covering 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and more.

Bundling opportunities for the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu include a special offer at launch for $29.99/month for the first 12 months.

All subscribers to ESPN’s unlimited plan – either through ESPN DTC or a traditional Pay TV provider – will have live and on-demand access to all of ESPN’s leading studio shows – including SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, The Pat McAfee Show, Pardon the Interruption, College GameDay, NBA Today, Inside the NBA, The Rich Eisen Show, and more – plus a robust, on-demand library featuring 30 for 30 films, ESPN Originals, replays, and more.

The enhanced ESPN App will introduce a more personalized, dynamic viewing experience for fans.

New features will include updated multiview options, integrated game stats, betting information, fantasy sports and commerce, along with a personalized SC For You.

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