The world’s largest interactive soccer mural, painted on the walls of Estadio Arturo C. Nahl in La Paz, has been defaced by unknown vandals who painted over sections of the Guinness World Record artwork. The mural spans 625.68 square meters and was officially certified just days ago, on May 30, as part of Mexico’s buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Local authorities and residents reacted with frustration to the damage. The mural features QR codes that unlock augmented reality content tied to the World Cup, making it both a piece of public art and an interactive digital experience. Sections of the work were covered with paint by the unknown individuals, disrupting parts of the interactive functionality.
A Record Just Days Old
The mural earned its Guinness World Record certification on May 30 during a ceremony attended by La Paz Mayor Milena Quiroga Romero and Guinness adjudicator Alfredo Arista. Arista verified that the structure met strict interactivity standards required by Guinness World Records. At 625.68 square meters, the La Paz mural is twice the size of the previous record holder, a 324-square-meter mural in León, Guanajuato.
Baja California Sur Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío also attended the certification event, where he displayed the official Guinness certificate. Created by local artists, the mural was designed to remain a permanent tourist attraction in La Paz even after the World Cup concludes in July 2026.
Part of Mexico’s World Cup Push
The La Paz mural is one of several Guinness World Records Mexico has pursued ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. In March, 4,757 people gathered in Chiapas to form the world’s largest soccer jersey made of human figures. Weeks later, 9,500 people participated in the largest soccer class ever held, taking place at Mexico City’s Zócalo.
Authorities are now urging La Paz residents to help protect public spaces and report any information about those responsible for the vandalism. The mural sits beside the Estadio Arturo C. Nahl, a well-known sports venue in the Baja California Sur capital, located just a short distance from the malecón along the waterfront.
Officials have stressed that the mural was intended to serve as a lasting cultural landmark for the city, not just a World Cup promotion. The vandalism came less than two weeks before the tournament’s June 11 opening match.
This story was first reported by BCS Noticias.