Re: FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread
This is funny because you are actually talking about the year when he scored 91 goals in 69 games in 2012 (when he turned 25), shattering all records during that year with Barcelona and Argentina. There is no point in comparing the 25 year old and 35 year old Messi and then saying that one was better than the other. At 25 he was unstoppable as a striker and dribbler. At 35 he is more of an organizer for the game. But the numbers for the year 2012 when he was 25 are that insane, it doesn't make sense to say that he was a better player at 35. See all his performances and his one-man-shows in the Champions League and in La Liga, scoring up to five goals in a game. We won't see that Messi again, but now we have a different one and he is still one of the best.
I agree with most of your post. But at the same time, the fact is that Messi was unable to win the world cup in 2010 or 2014 for Argentina, despite being in his peak form (back then the squad contained several other star players like Ángel Di María, Juan Sebastián Verón, Nicolás Otamendi and Maxi Rodríguez). He was able to do that in 2022. That matters more for me. As a striker and dribbler, perhaps his performance was better back in 2012. But his contribution to the team has remained as important as ever. IMO, if he wants he can easily lead Argentina again during the 2026 World Cup.
I agree with this quote!
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But his contribution to the team has remained as important as ever.
I don't agree with this quote!
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He was able to do that in 2022. That matters more for me.
I hate the discussion about a player being the GOAT only if he wins the World Cup because there can be amazing players who can't win the World Cup because of there nationality. Ronaldo is one of the best players who ever played this game and it doesn't matter whether he won a World Cup. Even though I prefer over him and that has nothing to do with Messi winning the World Cup, Ronaldo and his scoring quality remains unique forever. He was never my favorite player, but I acknowledge his achievements regardless of winning a World Cup or not. Is Gotze better than Messi because he scored the goal in the final against him in 2014?
Messi has been the best for over a decade now and he has been already without this title. But I am happy he now won it as well. I also agree that Messi could still be able to lead the team at the 2026 Cup. Whether he is still able to play most or all the games or not remains to be seen, but going with the team could still be beneficial for everyone. Maybe he is one of those playing coaches and substitutes himself in when a free kick possibility comes up shortly before the game ends and he kicks it in!