Yes, I have read comments on social networks, the recent match may be Lionel Messi's ultimate limit on fitness. It can be seen that Messi cannot be as "fierce" as the previous 5 matches. But I have a different perfunctory perspective on both expertise and sideline stories.
First, Messi is 39 years old. At this age, playing professionally is already different, let alone continuously playing at the World Cup and still shining. There is no match where Messi does not score or assist. Therefore, in just 3 knockout round matches, he has had to play extra time twice, it is not strange that Messi's fitness is seriously eroded.
I think that the situations in the second half of extra time in the match against Switzerland were normal reactions to the captain of the Argentine team. Messi has not been running continuously, so the fact that he needs to accumulate strength himself, and then choose the time to "exert himself" is more important.
So when will Messi be tired, at least at the 2026 World Cup?
I don't think it's now. Messi is the best in the world, I don't dare to confirm this proposition. But he is very, very special. In football, the ability of an individual to overcome adversity as well as the solidarity of a collective determines a lot of common achievements, can bring a team beyond the limit.
Messi and Argentina can do this. It is necessary to recognize that the reigning World Cup champion has many weaknesses. If there is a team that always brings peace of mind and certainty, I would choose France, to some extent Spain - even though they do not really convince the majority of fans.
Meanwhile, Argentina's defense is not good, and attack depends heavily on Messi. Another interesting question arises, what if Messi "snots and has a runny nose"? But football is reality, we are not talking about football "if".
Then Messi will have to stop at some point, but not in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. I clearly see that he is no longer as flexible as before, but his mind is absolutely not tired. That is extremely important, especially for players who play the role of spiritual - professional leaders of a national team.
It is this effort, Messi's dedication and responsibility that has become a natural glue, turning many Argentina's individualistic players into a team.
Seen from afar, the Argentina star group is no different from "gangsters", yet they are still willing to do everything, as long as "older brother" Messi says it must be like that. And "older brother" Messi, is listening to another "older brother" from the time he first started playing for the national team, Lionel Scaloni.
Argentina is worth watching because of Messi's genius moment and the very unique quality of the South American team.
