Nearly 4 years ago, Lionel Messi "completed football" when leading Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup. That was the moment that the whole world, including neutral fans, felt satisfied when witnessing this legend finally touch the title that was missing in his career.
Messi scored 7 goals in 7 matches, including a double in the final against France, and three assists to win the title of Player of the Tournament. He is not only the tactical center, but also a symbol of the team's spirit.
But that feat is not just a story of one individual. Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez have risen strongly, while Nicolas Otamendi brought solidity to the defense and Emiliano Martinez became the hero in the penalty shootout.
Even names that are not statistically prominent such as Angel Di Maria or Lautaro Martinez still contribute silently to the overall success. After the shock against Saudi Arabia in the opening match, Argentina has connected into a team that is almost unbeatable in spirit.
However, football does not stop at the past.
Currently, Lionel Scaloni's team is entering a period of instability before the 2026 World Cup. The champion's confidence seems to have faded, the preparation process is unclear and once again, all eyes are on Messi.
At the age of 37, continuing to shoulder huge expectations is not a simple task. And more worryingly, it is only part of a series of problems that Argentina needs to solve if it wants to defend the throne.
The aura is still there, but reality is posing harsher challenges than ever before.
Suspicions about Messi's ability to participate in the 2026 World Cup do not arise by chance, but largely come from his own caution.
The Argentine superstar once admitted that he would assess his condition in stages before making a final decision. This reflects the fact that, in the final stage of his career, Messi's every choice must be based on physical condition and actual contribution ability.
Coach Lionel Scaloni also did not hide his opinion when affirming that he wanted Messi to participate, but the decision-making power completely belongs to this player. It is not only respect, but also recognition that Messi is at a special level and position.
On the pitch, Messi still shows a different value. In Inter Miami's jersey, he continues to make his mark with impressive scoring performance, proving that his class has not disappeared.
However, the problem is not in the ability to create moments, but in endurance. A long World Cup with high intensity requires physical strength that even young players must be wary of, not to mention a player who has turned 37.
Scaloni understands that clearly. Messi's presence can change the course of the match, but how to use him is the most difficult problem. Can Messi play all the matches, or will he only play the role of deciding in key moments?
Argentina may still need Messi, but can no longer completely depend on him like in 2022. And that balance will determine whether the defending champion can defend the throne or not.
