Messi’s 39‑year‑old season is a headline in itself.
He’s still the one who shone when Argentina needed him most, delivering two key assists in a 2‑1 win over England and moving the South American squad into their third World Cup final. In what feels like a modern sporting saga, the number eight on the field now carries the weight of 125 international goals, four assists at the current tournament, and the looming question of a Golden Boot showdown with Mbappé.
Statistically, Messi ties for the top scorer in the 2026 tournament, with eight goals—one shy of Mbappé’s total. His four assists are also the most at the tournament, a metric that could seal his place as the assistant champion if he keeps the pace.
Analysts point to Messi’s tactical flexibility: he’s reinvented his positioning five times in just a few seasons, moving from winger to right‑hand back depending on opposition and play style. This has kept him relevant, and the data shows that the Argentine forward has out‑dribbled every English player combined in the series.
So far, the 2026 World Cup has ended with Messi still on a hot streak: 13 consecutive games with either a goal or an assist for Inter Miami and the national team. If he nets or assists again in the final against Spain, he will break his own 14‑year streak and move closer to playing a third final.
While some say 43‑year‑old Messi could retire soon, the youngest viewers still see him as that unstoppable playing‑field generator who still fuels every fan’s dream.
