Messi has never backed down.

At 37, Lionel Messi remains the center of attention. A superb free-kick helped Inter Miami defeat Porto at the Club World Cup, and once again, Leo proved: time may pass, but class never fades.

Messi continues to demonstrate his class despite his age.

On St. John's Day (June 24th) – the day of the vibrant fire festival in Catalonia – Lionel Messi will turn 38. But instead of fading into the background as one might expect from a player approaching 40, Messi continues to play, score goals, and decide the fate of big matches as if he has never aged.

Messi is not finished yet.

Five days before his birthday, he was the hero in Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Porto at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. A masterful free-kick, once again, was confirmation: Messi is still Messi.

It wasn't just the winning goal. It was a moment that left the entire stadium holding its breath. When the referee pointed to the penalty spot just outside the box, millions of viewers knew something special was about to happen.

The Porto players knew. The fans knew. And Leo knew better than anyone – because he had done it hundreds of times. He didn't need a long run-up, he didn't need a powerful shot. Just the feel of the ball, a quick glance over the wall and at the far corner of the goal – the goal came as a matter of course.

Leo scored in the match against Porto.

What made that moment even more memorable was its context. Inter Miami wasn't a team built to win the World Cup, nor was it a machine programmed to win.

It was an MLS team, home to four former Barcelona legends – Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba – who were considered to be past their prime. They came to America to enjoy football, to enjoy life. But ultimately, their winning mentality never faded.

Inter Miami doesn't need to play at the frenetic pace of European football. They don't press relentlessly, they don't run frantically for 90 minutes. They play with intelligence, experience, and the understanding built over more than a decade.

On the pitch, Messi remains the ultimate anchor. He doesn't need to move much, yet every pass goes through him. The former Barca star still reads the game better than anyone, still chooses his position instinctively, and still strikes fear into opponents whenever he's in a set-piece situation.

Goalkeeper Ustari, 38, is also a peculiar piece in the Inter Miami lineup. He's not flashy, not particularly good with his feet, but he's a solid barrier. In an era where youth and speed are revered, Inter Miami finds joy in seemingly outdated players. And somehow, they still win.

Javier Mascherano, Messi's former teammate in both the Argentina national team and Barcelona, ​​is the head coach – the one who keeps the fire burning in the dressing room. Perhaps Mascherano understands best that as long as those players still have the desire to contribute, they can still make an impact in a major tournament.

Messi has shown that he is not past his prime.

Messi is still Messi.

With their victory over Porto, Inter Miami now only needs a draw to qualify for the knockout stage of the Club World Cup – a far greater achievement for an MLS team. But that doesn't seem to matter as much anymore.

Most importantly, Messi has made his mark, proving that he remains the soul of the team, a role model of perseverance and extraordinary ability. And that, even in a match between a US team and a Portuguese team, people are still expecting Messi to work his magic – as he has for decades.

This also raises a question that perhaps even Messi himself doesn't have an answer to: the 2026 World Cup, held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada – will he continue with the Argentine national team? He retired, then returned, and then won. At 39, will that final dream still burn in the heart of the legendary captain?

No one can say for sure. But based on what he has shown, Messi can certainly dream again. As long as he feels his legs are steady enough, as long as his heart still beats for football.

Because with Messi, just one touch is enough to make a difference. And wherever the ball is rolling, he's always the center of attention. Not because of the past, but because of the present – ​​a present that remains brilliant even after 38 seasons.

Messi will never be a thing of the past. He is a phenomenon – and will be forever.

Messi scores a wonder goal at the FIFA Club World Cup. In the early hours of June 20th, Messi shone brightly, helping Inter Miami defeat Porto 2-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

Source: https://znews.vn/messi-chua-bao-gio-lui-lai-post1562355.html