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Messi and Argentina Change the Country's Electricity Consumption Every Time They Play
Every Lionel Messi and Argentina match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has a direct impact on the country's electricity consumption. Millions of fans change their daily routines during La Albiceleste's games, creating a unique phenomenon that continues throughout the tournament.
The passion surrounding Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team extends far beyond the stadiums. Every La Albiceleste match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup triggers an unusual phenomenon: dramatic shifts in electricity demand across the country.
The pattern was first observed during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but it has returned in this tournament and became especially evident during Argentina's thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt, a result that sent Lionel Scaloni's team into the quarterfinals.
According to the Wholesale Electricity Market Administration Company (Cammesa), electricity consumption follows a very distinctive pattern whenever the Argentine national team takes the field, reflecting the synchronized behavior of millions of people watching the match.
Electricity Demand Drops While Argentina Is Playing
Data collected by Cammesa shows that electricity consumption begins to decline shortly before kickoff, as a large portion of the population stops its daily activities to watch the game.
During the match against Egypt, electricity demand fell from more than 22,000 megawatts before kickoff to just over 20,000 during the first half. Consumption dropped even further in the second half, reaching levels typically seen during the early morning hours when economic activity is at its lowest.
Experts say the trend confirms that millions of Argentinians remain glued to their televisions, simultaneously reducing the use of household appliances and other everyday activities.
Halftime Triggers a Surge in Energy Consumption
The pattern changes completely during halftime. Electricity demand rises almost immediately as millions of people leave their seats to turn on lights, open the refrigerator, prepare food, or heat water for the country's traditional mate.
This synchronized behavior is internationally known as the "TV pickup" effect, a sudden spike in electricity consumption caused by major televised events with massive audiences.
Although the phenomenon has been widely studied in countries such as the United Kingdom, where millions of people switch on electric kettles during halftime to make tea, in Argentina the iconic mate once again takes center stage alongside the enormous passion inspired by Lionel Messi.
