If the late Albert Einstein, the father of the theory of relativity, were to watch Lionel Messi play, he might very well propose a new law of physics: "When Messi plays football, time slows down." Because Leo – Messi's nickname – who, from the final 12 years ago at the 2014 World Cup (a loss to Germany), sparked predictions of the end of his career, is now like someone who has turned back time with a series of new records and a performance far exceeding all expectations at the 2026 World Cup.
Messi and his current records with the Argentina national team. Graphic: VE LOAN
How can one imagine "old man" Messi (and one has the right to say so, considering Leo, for example, standing next to Yamal - the star of the Spanish national team - who wasn't even born when Messi first participated in the 2006 World Cup) dropping back to play alongside the Argentinian central defenders to retrieve the ball, and a few seconds later appearing in the final third of the pitch, charging straight into the opposing defense and scoring a spectacular hat-trick with a long-range shot to open the scoring?
Did anyone expect Leo, just days before his 39th birthday, to still be sprinting at full speed in the 90+5th minute, creating a perfect assist for Alvarez, and then taking advantage of a teammate's missed opportunity in the most insane way possible: dribbling and scoring against five defenders and a younger, fitter goalkeeper to seal the match against Austria?
Legendary players like Ronaldo "the Fat" and Ibrahimovic, when asked about a Messi version at the 2026 World Cup, could only offer one assessment: "Unbelievable."
Even more remarkable is that Messi not only moves against the flow of time but also forward and faster than time itself! In a famous one-on-one conversation with Messi – officially video of which has been widely released online – legendary player Zidane commented: "Leo foresees the situation and comes up with solutions faster and better than any other player on the field."
A prime example is the opening goal against Algeria, where Messi dribbled forward a touch, waiting for the perfect moment when a defender from the North African team rushed in to help distract the goalkeeper before unleashing a shot. Goalkeeper Lucas (Zidane's son!), anticipating a curling shot into the right corner – a familiar style of Messi – was stunned and reacted a split second too slowly, something Messi seemed to have anticipated!
The story of Messi's supernatural power to control time is certainly well-suited to Hollywood filmmakers. In reality, however, the answer probably lies in his extraordinary technique and understanding of the game, the way Messi leisurely strolls along, observing everything, how his mind, like a quantum supercomputer, loads, processes, and analyzes all the data to make explosive decisions at the right time and place.
And let's not forget the burning passion for the game and the sense of responsibility towards his country's colors – it is because of this that Messi, at the age of 39, could give his all in the 90+5th minute of the match against Austria, along with his impeccable behavior towards everyone around him, especially his teammates.
"One for all, all for one." When Thiago lifted his leg to let Messi score, breaking Klose's record of 16 (now 18) World Cup goals, when all his teammates, from goalkeeper Dibu Martinez to midfielder De Paul and others, confirmed their readiness to run and fight for Messi, it wasn't an order or tactical arrangement from coach Scaloni. It was simply the natural reaction of the entire team to their exemplary captain.
Of course, a successful start doesn't mean the rest of Messi and Argentina's journey will be easy. But Leo's dedication, team spirit, and performance that has stood the test of time have been the most impressive highlights of their 2026 World Cup campaign.
Messi calls, Mbappé and Haaland answer.
After Messi scored a brace, the two young strikers competing with him for the top scorer title, K. Mbappé and E. Haaland, also made their mark. Mbappé's two goals helped France beat Iraq 3-0, despite coach D. Deschamps resting several key players. Norway beat Senegal 3-2 with a brace from Haaland. Thus, Messi has 5 goals, while Mbappé and Haaland each have 4.
France and Norway secured their places in the Round of 16 early, both with 6 points after the first two matches of Group I. The final matchday at 2 AM on June 27th will be a battle to determine the top spot in the group between France and Norway.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/messi-nguoi-di-nguoc-thoi-gian-196260623193800312.htm
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