Movies like Lionel Messi: Destiny (2023)
The best movies like Lionel Messi: Destiny (2023) are Maradona by Kusturica (2008), Cristiano Ronaldo: World at His Feet (2014) and The Class of ‘92 (2013). If Lionel Messi: Destiny hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedDiego Maradona (2019)7.4/10 from 455 votes
- NewestTu seras pro mon fils (2026)Released 2026
Maradona by Kusturica (2008)
A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world's greatest modern player.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCristiano Ronaldo: World at His Feet (2014)
Cristiano Ronaldo: The World at His Feet follows the footballer from his beginnings in Portugal, breakthrough start with Manchester United and current career at Real Madrid.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Class of ‘92 (2013)
A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRonaldo (2015)
Filmed over 14 months with unprecedented access into the inner circle of the man and the sport, this is the first official and fully authorised film of one of the most celebrated figures in football. For the first time ever, the world gets vividly candid and un-paralleled, behind-closed-doors access to the footballer, father, family-man and friend in this moving & fascinating documentary. Through in-depth conversations, state of the art football footage and never before seen archival footage, the film gives an astonishing insight into the sporting and personal life of triple Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo at the peak of his career. From the makers of ‘Senna’ and ‘Amy’, Ronaldo takes audiences on an intimate and revealing journey of what it’s like to live as an iconic athlete in the eye of the storm.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDiego Maradona (2019)
Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the personal life and career of the controversial football player Diego Maradona who played for SSC Napoli and Argentina in the 1980s.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAvatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFacing Ali (2009)
Ten of Muhammad Ali's former rivals pay tribute to the three-time world heavyweight champion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSeduced and Abandoned (2013)
SEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director to financier to star actor, the two players provide us with a unique look behind the curtain at the world's biggest and most glamourous film festival, shining a light on the bitter-sweet relationship filmmakers have with Cannes and the film business. Featuring insights from directors Martin Scorsese, 'Bernando Bertolucci' and Roman Polanski; actors Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain and a host of film distribution luminaries.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPublic Speaking (2011)
Martin Scorsese’s portrait of writer and social commentator Fran Lebowitz, celebrated for her sharp wit and observations on modern life. Filmed at New York’s Waverly Inn and intercut with archival footage and interviews, the documentary captures Lebowitz’s distinctive worldview through her spontaneous monologues and public appearances.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDownloaded (2013)
A documentary that explores the downloading revolution; the kids that created it, the bands and the businesses that were affected by it, and its impact on the world at large.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJustin Bieber's Believe (2013)
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Making of 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991)
Documentary of the making of the sequel to the popular Schwarzenegger film, The Terminator.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFerrari: Race to Immortality (2017)
The late 1950s were known as golden years in the world of motor racing, champions were made and lost on a Sunday, and no losses were greater than those of Enzo Ferrari’s Scuderia. Based on Chris Nixon’s bestselling biography Mon Ami Mate, Ferrari: Race to Immortality tells the story of the loves and losses, triumphs and tragedy of a turbulent era that shook the motor racing world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTony Parker: The Final Shot (2021)
The background and career of Tony Parker, whose determination led him to become arguably the greatest French basketball player.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHamilton's America (2016)
This documentary delves deeper into the creation of the Hamilton musical, revealing Lin-Manuel Miranda's process of absorbing and then adapting Hamilton's epic story into ground-breaking musical theater.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCapital in the Twenty-First Century (2019)
Film adaptation of French economist Thomas Piketty's ground-breaking global bestseller of the same name: an eye-opening journey through wealth and power.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007)
The definitive 3½-hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic 'Blade Runner', culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNo Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad (2013)
A documentary about the making of season five of the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisGascoigne (2015)
A feature length, theatrical documentary on the life of Paul Gascoigne, one of the greatest footballers that ever lived: delving deep into his psyche, vulnerabilities, fears and triumphs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRino Della Negra, Calciatore Partigiano (2025)
Rino Della Negra, the son of Friulian emigrants in France, plays on the wing for Red Star in Saint-Ouen while fighting in the Resistance with the Manouchian group. Wounded and captured after an armed action, he is executed by the Nazis at Mont-Valérien on 21 February 1944, aged twenty. The documentary reconstructs his life through archive material, interviews with historians and relatives, and animated drawings.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Everton: Howard's Way (2019)
After a decade of struggle and misfortune Everton became the best side in the land. Even better than their all-conquering neighbours, Liverpool! They won the FA Cup, thrashed Man Utd 5-0, beat Liverpool, home and away, and then strolled to the league title with a record amount of points. They steamrollered the great Bayern Munich and won a first ever European trophy and, for a time, were probably the best side in Europe. We will never know for sure - because they couldn't prove it... This is the tale of a man with Everton in his blood, a team intent on greatness and a city united in defiance. A story told by all the heroes of the day - the men that made history.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Um Dia de Futebol (2019)
In the cup final, a David versus Goliath story in the football kingdom On May 20, Desportivo das Aves reached a Portuguese Cup final for the first time. It is the story of the journey of Desportivo das Aves team and its fans, from the departure from the town of Aves to Jamor to face Sporting. A live story of the suffering of the fans outside and inside the stadium, accompanied by the narration of the game by Antena 1. "Um Dia de Futebol" is a documentary that portrays the experience of the supporters, players, and coaches of Desportivo das Aves 24 hours before, until the final moment of the Portuguese Cup match, in a historical moment.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Zinedine Zidane: Zizou the Great (2009)
FIFA World Player in 1998, 2000, and 2003, Zidane has been labeled the greatest player to come out of France. Known for his brilliant ball control, incredible vision, precise passing and ability to read the game, Zidane has also dedicate much of his time to helping those less fortunate than himself.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
'78 Cup - The Power of Football (1979)
Documentary about the Football World Cup held in Argentina in 1978, focusing on the competition and behind the scenes of the most important soccer competition in the world. Two versions of the 1978 official film exist, the first "Copa 78 - O Poder do Futebol" was made by Brazilian directors Maurício Sherman and Victor di Mello in 1979 but was later withdrawn by FIFA because of its controversial content. The film includes an interview with Rodolfo Galimberti, one of the leaders of the Montoneros guerrilla group and also made accusations that the Argentinian competition organisation committee had deliberately hindered Brazilian chances of success by tampering with the pitch at Mar del Plata.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Impossible Beskov (1988)
About the coach of the Moscow football team Spartak, Konstantin Ivanovich Beskov. The film shows the difficult path of the Spartak team to the title of the 1987 USSR Football Championship.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
FC Roma (2016)
A team of Romany football players try to overcome prejudice in this Czech documentary.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Tu seras pro mon fils (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
O.J. Simpson: Juice on the Loose (1974)
An independently produced sports documentary on the career of O.J. Simpson, (#32) the upcoming running back for the Buffalo Bills football team.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Daniel Pennac: Ho visto Maradona! (2022)
Rehearsals for a play about Maradona in Naples, with Italian actors and an Argentine director. Nothing about Maradona except anecdotes about his figure from the Neapolitans; one of the actors had come to play football. They were all 'touched' by Maradona, as is logical. Pennac is very intelligent, but he has never seen a ball in his life: his fascination comes from the public figure of Maradona, from the totem, from the stupor that invaded him when many friends confessed to having cried at his death. The spectator, Maradonian or not, has an irrepressible desire to travel to Naples and join the song that he sees towards the end of the film, which is moving and overwhelming in its beauty and simplicity. Ideal for theater lovers, or Maradona lovers, or both.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Lionel Messi: Destiny?
The closest matches to Lionel Messi: Destiny are Maradona by Kusturica (2008), Cristiano Ronaldo: World at His Feet (2014) and The Class of ‘92 (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Lionel Messi: Destiny?
Start with Maradona by Kusturica (2008), the closest match to Lionel Messi: Destiny.
What is the highest-rated movie like Lionel Messi: Destiny?
Diego Maradona (2019), rated 7.4/10 by 455 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Lionel Messi: Destiny?
Tu seras pro mon fils (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Lionel Messi: Destiny?
Yes: Maradona by Kusturica (2008), Cristiano Ronaldo: World at His Feet (2014) and The Class of ‘92 (2013).
How are movies similar to Lionel Messi: Destiny chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Lionel Messi: Destiny, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.