The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a defining moment for Lionel Messi, who has been the heart and soul of Argentina's success. But it's not just about Messi; it's about the entire team and the lengths they've gone to protect and nurture him. This is a story of mates, freedom, and the perfect context for Messi to shine.
Argentina's manager, Lionel Scaloni, has crafted a team built around Messi, one that embraces the values of mateship and freedom. This is a team that drinks mate, shares barbecues, and plays truco, all while playing patient, collective football. It's a team that understands Messi's needs and adapts to his decisions, allowing him to choose his role and the team to respond.
At the heart of this team is Rodrigo de Paul, who has become Messi's closest confidant. Their friendship is built on a strict etiquette of sharing mate and playing truco, with De Paul treating Messi like a normal guy rather than a monument. This is a team that protects its leader, with Messi leading the way out to the pitch, De Paul at his side, and the rest of the squad fanning out behind like a street gang.
But it's not just about the team dynamics; it's also about the context Scaloni has created. He has built a team that is patient, collective, and focused on Messi's strengths. This is a team that has won its past three semi-finals and lifted four trophies in this cycle, including two Copa Americas, a World Cup, and a Finalissima.
Messi himself has done his part, with months of double sessions with De Paul and obsessive attention to nutrition. He has become the best goalscorer of the World Cup, with a top speed that is about 5% higher than in Qatar. This is a team that has found the perfect context for Messi to shine, and in doing so, has become something close to the young man who left Rosario.
In Argentina, football is more than just a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon. It's a thread that runs through generations, with Maradona and Messi at the summit of the game. This is a team that sings an anthem dedicated to Messi, settling an old score for Maradona. It's a team that embraces the values of mateship and freedom, and in doing so, has created a perfect context for Messi to shine.
As Messi reflects on his potential last World Cup, he can take pride in the fact that he has found the perfect context to win again. This is a team that has gone to great lengths to protect and nurture him, and in doing so, has created a legacy that will outlive him. It's a team that has embraced the values of mateship and freedom, and in doing so, has become something truly special.
