Argentine Tech Giant Sets Guinness World Record with AI-Powered Soccer Prediction Feature
On July 21, 2026, Ariel Szarfsztejn, CEO of Mercado Libre, announced a groundbreaking achievement: Fixture 2026, a soccer prediction tool within the Mercado Pago app, has attracted more than 25 million active users across five countries, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records™.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Szarfsztejn celebrated: 'With over 25 million users in 5 countries participating in Fixture 2026 on @MercadoPago, we entered the Guinness World Records™!!! Fixture is a project that one of our teams built with AI, in just weeks, something that a few years ago would have taken us months. That's the beauty of innovation: it moves the limits of what's possible ⚽💪🏻💛'
What is Fixture 2026?
Fixture 2026 is an interactive feature inside the Mercado Pago app that lets users predict the outcomes of matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Participants compete against each other, earn points, and can win prizes. The feature quickly became a mass phenomenon, tapping into the global excitement of the tournament.
According to Szarfsztejn, the project was developed using artificial intelligence, drastically reducing implementation time: what once took months was completed in weeks. This is a clear example of how AI is transforming business processes and user experiences.
Reactions and Context
The news sparked a wave of congratulations on social media. Beatriz Nofal praised the team: 'Congratulations to the @MercadoPago team that worked intensely and very effectively on the launch, implementation, and follow-up of Fixture 2026! 👏👏👏' Fede Sandler highlighted the potential for internal efficiency: 'Imagine if they do this with a Fixture and achieve a Guinness World Record... what they will do with the company's internal flows and processes using AI. Eventually they will generate enormous efficiencies that will directly impact the bottom line.'
However, not all feedback was positive. A user named Leonardo Flores complained about customer service at Mercado Libre Mexico, mentioning automated responses. This shows that despite the product's success, challenges in customer support remain.
The Power of AI and the Future
This record not only celebrates massive participation but also underscores the role of artificial intelligence in creating scalable digital products. Mercado Libre, one of Latin America's most valuable companies, once again demonstrates its capacity for innovation and adaptation to technological trends.
Entering the Guinness World Records™ is an international recognition that positions the Argentine company at the forefront of digital transformation. For users, Fixture 2026 has become a fun way to follow the World Cup, and for the company, it's a success story that will likely inspire future AI-driven initiatives.
With the World Cup still ongoing, participation is expected to grow even further. This achievement will go down in history as an example of how technology can unite millions of people around a shared passion.