Even if he fails at the 2026 World Cup, Messi will still be the 'GOAT'.

The 2022 World Cup helped Lionel Messi put an end to all debate about his greatness. But instead of stopping there, he continued his journey with Argentina with pure joy for football.

Messi "finished his football career" in Qatar in 2022 but doesn't want to stop there.

When coach Lionel Scaloni included Lionel Messi in Argentina's plans to defend their World Cup title despite not being in top physical condition, almost no one was surprised. What piqued people's curiosity wasn't that Leo was still called up, but why he continued on that path.

Messi is about to turn 39 and is inevitably facing the signs of aging. Muscle problems, overexertion, and minor injuries are becoming more frequent. That's the price of more than two decades of top-level competition.

While most players of his generation retired or moved to less demanding roles, Messi persevered in prolonging his international career. But for what purpose? Because, ultimately, he had nothing left to prove.

Enjoy instead of conquer.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar brought to an end a years-long debate about the greatest player in history. Messi not only won the world championship but did it in the most perfect way possible. He led Argentina to the top with outstanding performances, game-winning moments, and a leadership role that many had previously doubted.

It could be said that Messi "completed" football on the night of his triumph in Lusail.

Historically, very few players have had the choice to end their international careers. Most have had to give way due to age, performance, or decisions from the coaching staff. Even rarer are those who have the opportunity to retire at the absolute peak of their careers. Messi has that opportunity.

Messi reached the peak of his career in 2022.

The World Cup trophy is the only missing piece in his vast collection. For many years, his inability to lead Argentina to a world championship was seen as the only blemish on his record, making him incomparable to Diego Maradona.

Despite possessing countless individual and team titles, Messi was still considered incomplete without the most prestigious trophy on the planet. Then Qatar 2022 changed everything.

At 35, a time when most stars are past their prime, Messi continues to amaze the world. He dribbles, assists, and scores against players a decade or more younger. The world's top defenders are beaten but feel honored to face him.

From the group stage to the final, Messi consistently made a difference. He became the first player to score in every knockout round of a World Cup. This is an extraordinary individual achievement and a testament to Leo's absolute influence on Argentina's championship journey.

When lifting the World Cup trophy, Messi admitted he had nothing more to ask of football. All his dreams had come true. It should have been the perfect ending. But Messi chose not to stop.

Many believe that after reaching the pinnacle of success, the motivation to compete gradually fades. However, for Messi, the World Cup is not the end, but rather a liberation. The burden that had weighed on him for nearly two decades disappears.

For the first time in his career, Messi wore the national team jersey without having to prove anything. He simply enjoyed football. That is perhaps the most important reason why Messi continues to play.

The final chapter of the legend

Under Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine national team is no longer a collection of individual stars. They have become a true family. The bond between the players, coaching staff, and captain is built on a foundation of absolute trust.

Messi has always expressed his admiration for Scaloni and the current generation of players. He has repeatedly emphasized that the atmosphere within the team is the most special thing he has ever experienced. Young players like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister see Messi as their leader and source of inspiration.

Conversely, Messi also found in them a joy that he rarely experienced before while wearing the national team jersey.

Messi will enjoy the final chapter at the 2026 World Cup.

This transformation is also reflected in Messi himself. From a quiet captain who almost completely avoided controversial statements, he has become a true leader, ready to defend his teammates, inspire them, and display a stronger personality on the pitch.

Argentina today doesn't just play for their national colors. They also play for Messi. And Messi is playing for that team as well.

Of course, the 2026 World Cup remains a question mark. No one knows whether the body of a player nearing 40 can meet the demanding requirements of the biggest tournament on the planet. Injuries are always a constant threat. Even the 2024 Copa America saw Messi struggling with these issues.

But his presence remains an invaluable asset to Argentina. Because even though his speed is no longer what it used to be, Messi still possesses something that age cannot take away: tactical vision, creativity, and an exceptional influence on the team.

There are players who play football to win titles. There are players who take to the field to prove their worth. Messi no longer belongs to either group. He has won everything and is recognized by the whole world. Leo's legacy has long been established and will not change regardless of how the 2026 World Cup ends.

Therefore, M10's journey to North America is no longer a chase for glory. It's more like a beautiful epilogue in the career of the greatest player of his generation.

Messi conquered football in 2022; the rest isn't ambition, but passion. After all, Messi simply loves football.

Source: https://znews.vn/neu-that-bai-o-world-cup-2026-messi-van-la-goat-post1656164.html