Messi - the uncrowned king who still makes the world bow

Even though he no longer plays football on the biggest stage, Messi still makes the whole football world mention his name.

No one wins forever. That is an immutable law in sport - and in life. But Lionel Messi, at 38, remains at the centre of every football conversation, still turning heads despite his choice to live a quieter life, away from the limelight.

It is no longer pure excellence, but a fascinating paradox. In an age where everything is rapidly slipping away, Messi remains the definition of top-flight football.

The world today changes at a dizzying pace. What was new in the morning becomes old by the afternoon. Even player cards, fresh out of their packaging, fade under the harsh gaze of the market. But not Messi.

Two decades on, from his rise to prominence with Barcelona, to his peak in Qatar 2022, to the summer of 2025, the name Messi still evokes a level of class that no one can touch. Even though winter has passed in an unfamiliar tournament with opponents that people are not sure who they are, Messi still makes the world stop, just to watch him touch the ball.

The name Messi still evokes a level of class that no one can touch.

Three years after the historic gold cup with Argentina, the football world is rushing to find a successor to the throne: Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr., Lamine Yamal... Each of them was once hailed as the "new king", each was crowned with articles full of hasty predictions.

But then, just when people thought Messi had settled into the past, he returned. Without noise, without fanfare, just a few minutes, a few dribbles, a few delicate touches, were enough to remind: "The throne is never empty."

The reason we temporarily forget about Messi is simply because he chose to withdraw. No longer living under the flashbulbs every hour, no longer enduring the unreasonable demands of public opinion. But when the big stage appears - like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ - Messi steps out and dominates it with an authority that no one can dispute.

Many have tried and continue to try to deny Messi. They say he doesn’t run much, doesn’t press, doesn’t shout like a true leader. But when the whistle blows, Messi is still the only one on the pitch who knows what’s going to happen – one second before everyone else. That one second, but it’s enough for him to draw the entire map of the game, to teach the whole world what football is.

In an era where people consume sports through short videos , YouTube and TikTok, Messi uses that same language - brief moments of genius - to assert his power.

Messi still plays well at 38 years old.

Ironically, while the world is rushing forward, Messi dares to stop. Dare to “press the pause button”, forcing us all to slow down, to marvel at a move that no words can describe.

Perhaps his Club World Cup run will soon come to an end. Before him will be the mighty European champions, coached by Luis Enrique - a man who has known Messi through thick and thin. Perhaps Messi will lose. But the fact that we are still talking about him - and cannot help it - is the most wonderful testament to a kingship without a crown.

Next summer, the World Cup will be held right on the doorstep of Messi’s “new home”. At that time, people will ask again: is he capable of leading Argentina once more? But perhaps, the fact that we are still asking that question, still having that faith, is the answer.

Because Messi doesn't need to be worshipped. He doesn't need anyone to praise him. He just needs to continue being himself - as he has been for years. And perhaps, that is the most enduring nature of a true king: someone who doesn't need to be remembered, but can never be forgotten.

Source: https://znews.vn/messi-vi-vua-khong-nga-van-khien-the-gioi-cui-dau-post1564109.html