Haaland, Messi among top baby name inspirations as WC fever leaves a lasting mark

The World Cup’s influence is now showing up in newborn baby names across Latin America, with fans naming children after football stars they followed during the tournament. In Peru, RENIEC spokesperson Ivan Torres said there has been a “new wave” of babies named Haaland, with hundreds registered and around 30,000 registrations for related global icons such as Lionel, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo. In Argentina, names linked to the national team rose near the final, including Enzo, Emiliano and Lionel, tied to Enzo Fernandez, Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez and Lionel Messi. In Mexico, a widely shared birth certificate allegedly showed a girl named “Quiñona Ysisidra Morita Haaland Guevara,” inspired by local players and Erling Haaland. Authorities have not verified that certificate.