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Messi scored all three goals in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, opening the 2026 World Cup with a performance that earned the admiration of the global press. |
When Lionel Messi left PSG to join Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, much of the football world viewed the decision in the same way. After years of competing at the highest level in Europe, after winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, and after possessing almost every major title, Messi was believed to be choosing a more relaxed life.
MLS has long been associated with stars past their prime. Many European legends have considered the United States as their final destination before retirement. Therefore, Messi's appearance in Miami has led many to assume that he is also preparing to end his career in a similar way.
But three years later, that assessment has become increasingly inaccurate. The 2026 World Cup is taking place right here in the United States, and Messi remains the center of attention on the biggest stage in world football.
In Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria on the morning of June 17th, the 38-year-old superstar scored all three goals. This was not only his first World Cup hat-trick but also helped Messi equal Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals, the title of the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
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The 2026 World Cup is reminding the world that Lionel Messi never came to Miami to retire. |
More importantly, that performance showed that Messi never came to Miami to rest. The images from Kansas City were a complete contrast to the perception of a player who is past his prime.
Messi is constantly on the move, involved in the build-up play, and influential in every Argentina attack. He still reads the game faster than the rest, still handles the ball with incredible precision, and still knows how to make a difference at the most crucial moments.
This didn't happen by chance. Prior to the 2026 World Cup, numerous sources from Argentina revealed that Messi maintained a very rigorous training regimen. In addition to training sessions with Inter Miami, he also worked privately with a fitness expert to prepare for a tournament that he understood could be the last World Cup of his career.
That's not how someone preparing for retirement should act. Coincidentally, the day Messi shone was also the day the World Cup witnessed impressive performances from the next generation. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace to help France beat Senegal. Erling Haaland also scored two goals as Norway overcame Iraq. For many years, both have been seen as the successors to the era of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 2026 World Cup therefore carries the feeling of a generational shift. But in just one match, Messi has once again drawn all the attention back to himself.
That's what Messi has been doing for almost two decades. Every time the world believes time has finally caught up, the Argentinian superstar finds a way to prove them wrong. Every time people think a new generation has completely taken over the stage, Messi emerges with a performance that puts all debate to a halt.
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At 38, Messi has rendered predictions of a final chapter in his career in Miami irrelevant with a stellar performance at the 2026 World Cup. |
The 2026 World Cup could be his final journey with the Argentine national team. Perhaps Messi's peak years will also come to an end, like those of other legends in football history.
But at least after that Kansas City night, one thing became very clear. Messi never came to Miami to end his story.
Conversely, he is continuing to write new chapters. And as long as that continues, it's difficult to view Messi as a legend heading towards the twilight. At 38, he remains the center of the World Cup and still commands worldwide attention.
Source: https://znews.vn/the-gioi-lai-danh-gia-sai-ve-messi-post1660493.html
