Experiencing Lionel Messi’s journey during the World Cup in Qatar felt like the culmination of an epic saga. It represented an ultimate climax. Always in the shadow of Diego Maradona, Messi’s life has been an extraordinary tale filled with dramatic highs and lows, but unlike Maradona, who faced a tempestuous life of addiction and crime, Messi’s story was simpler: a prodigious talent who maintained excellence for two decades, accumulating accolades with consistency. Although he encountered emotional challenges and moments of uncertainty, he never sank into chaos, as Maradona did.
Qatar introduced an element of suspense. Despite his previous club achievements, Messi felt an immense urge to prove himself on the international stage. He had shed his natural shyness to become a genuine leader for Argentina, especially after securing the Copa América in Brazil the year prior. His fiery response during a post-match interview following a quarter-final victory over the Netherlands, where he told Wout Weghorst, “Que mira, bobo?”—translating to “What are you looking at, idiot?”—signified a change in him, as fans celebrated this glimpse of his assertive side. Could this be the moment when Messi finally lifts the trophy in what many believe to be his last chance at a World Cup? Each match in the knockout phase felt like a potential farewell, with his brilliance underscoring the fragile nature of life.
Qatar seemed to bring the narrative full circle. It was in Qatar back in 1995 that Argentina captured their first Under-20 World Cup title in a remarkable series of five victories over 12 years under the management of José Pékerman and Hugo Tocalli. Lionel Scaloni, the current head coach, was part of that inaugural championship squad, accompanied by assistants Walter Samuel and Pablo Aimar. Messi himself participated in the last of those tournaments in 2007, joined by teammate Papu Gómez, while Ángel Di María was part of the 2005 edition. The legacy of Pékerman and Tocalli infused the current team, driven by a collective anxiety that their extensive youth success might not translate to senior victories. What began in Qatar appeared to find a glorious resolution there.
Had Messi been swayed by the allure of a narrative arc, he could have dramatically removed the bisht draped around him during the trophy presentation, signaling his retirement. He could have taken a celebratory lap, hoisted aloft by teammates, reminiscent of Maradona’s iconic victory at the Azteca Stadium in 1986. It would have been the perfect ending. The credits could have rolled right there.
However, it becomes somewhat awkward that four years later, Argentina is gearing up for yet another World Cup with Messi in tow. He has altered the expected storyline, taking on more farewell tours than any actor in a long-running series. Approaching 39 during the tournament, he will become the oldest Argentinian to compete at a World Cup, although still only the tenth oldest player overall in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as the age of players continues to rise. There exists a significant risk that he could exit on a disappointing note, reminiscent of Argentina’s past World Cup campaigns preceding their success in Qatar.
Yet, the prospect of triumph remains. Could Messi achieve it once more? For the casual observer, it might seem he has nothing left to prove, having already accomplished everything and now positioned to either enjoy retirement or explore alternative career paths, such as coaching or commentary. Elite athletes often possess an unwavering, sometimes irrational self-belief. Perhaps Messi believes he can once again lead Argentina to victory.
After years of living under the shadow of Maradona and enduring constant comparisons, especially regarding the ultimate prize that eluded him for so long, could Messi actually surpass Maradona by winning the World Cup a second time? Is there a scenario where Argentinians gather around the asado, acknowledging that while Diego was exceptional, he only won the World Cup once?
But how feasible is such an outcome? Messi appeared aged during the last World Cup, often lingering on the fringes of matches, making brief appearances of brilliance before fading into the background. Rodrigo De Paul took on a significant burden, to the extent that Inter Miami felt compelled to acquire him to assist Messi in MLS. Julián Alvarez and Enzo Fernández also contributed extensively to Messi’s efforts. Yet, once it is accepted that a player has lost their speed, a gradual decline in physical ability may not be as detrimental. Operating from the sidelines, he can still pose a threat; he isn’t impeding the team’s rhythm in a central position.
Prior to the last World Cup, Messi was performing consistently at a relatively high level. In the half-season leading up to the tournament, he participated in 13 matches in Ligue 1 and five in the Champions League. This year, he has played 14 matches in MLS and two in the Concacaf Champions League, which seems comparable. However, while acclimatization may be advantageous, the quality of play is far below that of France’s premier division. Despite this, Messi has continued to be effective for Argentina, contributing significantly during the last Copa América—which Argentina won—and in subsequent qualifiers and friendly matches.
Is he truly prepared for this? It’s uncertain. There are worries that Messi may become a mere shadow of his former self, a somber reminder of past achievements. The fear exists that he might cling to his career past its due date, grappling with the loss of purpose that follows retirement.
What lies ahead for Messi? His enigmatic nature makes it difficult to predict whether he has any aspirations in coaching or commentary, or if he even desires such a future. If his life devolves into a series of brand endorsements and endless gaming sessions, it is easy to understand his reluctance to embrace the end of his playing days.
Yet, perhaps it is unfair to impose the expectations of ordinary individuals on someone like him, as Messi has always existed beyond those norms. What felt like the grand finale in Qatar could very well just be the beginning of an even more extraordinary chapter. There remains the tantalizing possibility that he could win the World Cup once more.
