Faustino Oro: The ‘Messi of Chess’ Shines at the World Cup in Goa:

At just 12 years old, Argentina’s Faustino Oro is taking the chess world by storm. Often called the “Messi of Chess,” the young prodigy has become the biggest talking point at the ongoing FIDE Chess World Cup in Arpora, Goa — and not just because of his age. Oro’s journey to chess is as surprising as it is inspiring. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the six-year-old from Buenos Aires would spend hours kicking a football against the walls at home. His father, looking for a quieter alternative, introduced him to chess. What started as a way to calm his energy soon turned into a passion that would rewrite record books. Fast forward a few years, and Oro has already achieved what most players can only dream of. He briefly held the record as the youngest player ever to become an International Master and was the youngest in history to cross the 2500 Elo rating mark. He’s also the second-youngest to earn a Grandmaster norm. Online, he’s already scored stunning wins against world champions Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura — a clear sign that he belongs among the game’s elite. Now, in Goa, Oro is proving that he’s not just an online sensation but a serious over-the-board competitor. In the first-round tiebreaks, the youngest player at the tournament stunned Croatian Grandmaster Ante Brkić to advance. In the next round, he faced one of India’s best, Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, and showed nerves of steel. Playing with black pieces, Oro pressed confidently while Vidit ran low on time. The classical game ended in a 28-move draw, but only because Oro decided to play it safe in the final moments. On Wednesday, the boy from Buenos Aires will switch to the white pieces — giving him the first-move advantage and another chance to make headlines. While India’s top stars like D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi continue to battle in their respective matches, Oro’s rise has captivated both fans and grandmasters alike. For a 12-year-old to be competing — and holding his own — at one of chess’s most prestigious events is extraordinary. It’s not just his results that are impressive, but also his fearless, expressive style of play. There’s creativity, confidence, and an instinct for attack that has drawn comparisons to football legend Lionel Messi — hence the nickname “Messi of Chess.” Oro’s story is a reminder of how raw talent, discipline, and opportunity can come together in remarkable ways. From a restless boy kicking a ball against the wall to a record-breaking International Master taking on world champions, his journey feels almost cinematic. And with every move he makes in Goa, the chess world gets a glimpse of a future superstar in the making. As the World Cup continues, all eyes will be on the Argentinian wonderkid. Whether he wins or loses, one thing is clear — Faustino Oro isn’t just playing chess; he’s redefining what’s possible at his age.

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