Messi runs less but is more dangerous.

Lionel Messi has changed since three and a half years ago, when he won the World Cup with Argentina. That's for sure, as proven by the statistics. But this change is necessary, because he just celebrated his 39th birthday and he can't play like he did in his twenties.

In the winter of 2022, Rosario achieved his greatest dream as a footballer: winning the World Cup . Now, at this World Cup, his goal remains unchanged: to defend his title. However, he is clearly a far cry from that day, both physically and mentally.

Aging, an irreversible process, has clearly not prevented him from exploding with 5 goals so far in the World Cup. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has never hidden his admiration for the Argentinian superstar, said this about Messi on American television: “With age, our speed decreases. That’s for sure. But here, we’re talking about a genius. If Messi has scored 18 goals in 20 years of participating in the World Cup, it means he is far superior to everyone else, because even as the years go by, he hasn’t lost his instinct and competitiveness. That means he is the greatest player of all time.”

Messi's joy after scoring a brace, helping Argentina beat Austria 2-0. Photo: AP

Comparing Messi's two recent matches against Algeria and Austria to his average for the 2022 World Cup, statistics show he ran 800m less per game, slowed down by 1.9km/hour, and created significantly fewer chances. However, in Qatar four years ago, he only scored two goals in his first two matches, one of which was a penalty, while currently, he has scored five. Furthermore, in this World Cup, he has the second-lowest distance covered by a player in the team, only behind... goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez! Other statistics like passing and shooting are also lower than in the 2022 World Cup. But why is he still able to lurk in the penalty area, ready to execute a few passes from afar before breaking into the box and shooting, always occupying deadly spaces for opponents and scoring goals? He and Lionel Scaloni's coaching staff certainly had special programs in place to bring about this change.

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But the change wasn't just at this World Cup. It had all been brewing for three years prior, since he left top-level European football to play for Inter Miami in the US. Much criticism was leveled against him, with some suggesting he moved to the MLS to retire in the Florida sun and secure lucrative sponsorship deals. But Messi has his own response. He's leading the top scorer list, and many are already thinking about him, Mbappe, and Haaland competing to break Just Fontaine's record for most goals in a World Cup, set in 1958. Many also believe that if Scaloni hadn't rested him and he had played in Sunday's final group stage match against Jordan, he would have scored a few more goals.

On June 24th, Messi celebrated his 39th birthday at the Argentina national team's training camp. This was the 14th time he'd celebrated his birthday during a team campaign. His teammates not only presented him with a birthday cake but also wore a shirt featuring a picture of one of Messi's greatest moments as a footballer: him and his teammates lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy over Doha, Qatar. Messi is undoubtedly happy. The team is winning, he's leading the scoring charts, and despite running less, he's more effective, while his father's health is improving. What could be better!

Match schedule for June 26th

6:00 AM, Group F: Tunisia - Netherlands ; Japan - Sweden

9 AM, Group D: Türkiye - USA; Paraguay - Australia

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/messi-chay-it-hon-nhung-nguy-hiem-hon-1046177