England’s Nico O’Reilly, the 21-year-old Manchester City defender, is gearing up for what he calls a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to face Lionel Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina. It’s the kind of storyline that captivates billions of eyeballs worldwide. And yet, despite an industry that has spent years plastering logos on jerseys and stadiums, the crypto sector remains remarkably disconnected from the actual narratives driving global sports.

O’Reilly has started five of England’s six World Cup matches this tournament, establishing himself as a key figure in the squad. His potential matchup against Messi, who at 39 continues to anchor Argentina’s campaign, is the sort…