FIFA explains why Messi remains unique.

The FIFA technical committee believes that the 2026 World Cup is seeing longer playing time, more goals, and remarkable stamina from older stars.

Messi, Modric, and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered by FIFA to be role models for a generation of players who can maintain their peak performance until nearly the age of 40.

The FIFA technical committee, headed by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, has released its assessment of the early stages of the 2026 World Cup. The most notable point is the effort to reduce time-wasting, a goal FIFA has pursued for many years.

According to statistics from the early stages, this goal is proving effective. FIFA emphasizes that the 2026 World Cup currently has the longest playing time of any major tournament, surpassing the Champions League, the European Championship, and many other top competitions. The average number of goals per match is also 2.90, higher than previous World Cups.

But the story isn't just about the pace of the game or the number of goals. What caught the technical committee's attention even more was how these older stars still maintained their influence at the highest level.

Former Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta and former Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva believe that modern football has produced a generation of players who can maintain their peak performance until nearly 40 years old. Messi, Modric, and Cristiano Ronaldo are prime examples. They no longer move constantly like they did in their youth, but they know how to conserve energy, choose their positions, and be in the right place at the right time.

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“Messi sometimes walks around the pitch to position himself optimally. Modric does the same, Cristiano does too. They are extremely professional,” Zabaleta and Gilberto Silva commented.

According to the two former star players, the difference between this group of players doesn't just come from talent. They take meticulous care of their bodies, get proper rest, eat scientifically, have physiotherapists, and even private chefs. Their lives off the pitch become the foundation for them to continue competing at the highest level.

Experts also emphasize that the greatest quality of superstars is their decision-making ability. Players like Mbappe, Kane, or Messi don't always need to explode with speed. They can walk, observe, connect with the game, and then create opportunities at decisive moments.

Arsène Wenger and the FIFA technical committee believe the 2026 World Cup has a significantly longer playing time than many other major tournaments.

Another topic addressed by FIFA is water breaks. The technical committee acknowledged that they can alter the rhythm of the game. Teams struggling may have more time to adjust, while teams controlling the game may have their momentum interrupted, especially in the second half.

Nevertheless, FIFA believes this break is still necessary for players to recover and for teams to have time to adjust their tactics in demanding playing conditions.

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The technical committee also expressed their admiration for Colombia. Their performance against Portugal was considered a highlight, as Colombia demonstrated their physical fitness, dynamism, and ability to control the game. Their remaining challenge is to better capitalize on the opportunities they create.

The 2026 World Cup is therefore presenting a remarkable picture: more football being played, more goals being scored, and veteran stars still knowing how to make the game revolve around them.

Source: https://znews.vn/fifa-ly-giai-vi-sao-messi-van-khac-biet-post1664831.html