#OutToLunch: Spain may have won the World Cup but Messi still offers plenty of lessons

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published a July 30, 2026 opinion column by Denis Jjuuko reflecting on Lionel Messi after the reported conclusion of the World Cup hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States. The column says Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after 120 minutes, leaving Messi, then 39, in tears after what the writer suggests was likely his final World Cup appearance.

The article frames Spain’s victory as a sporting result but focuses mainly on Messi’s longevity and adaptability. Jjuuko notes that Messi had previously played in World Cup finals in 2014 and 2022, and contrasts his 2026 loss with Argentina’s earlier successes, including the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America. The column also says Messi, now with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, adjusted from an explosive attacker into a player who conserved energy, read space, organized play and influenced set pieces.

According to the column, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament, while France’s Kylian Mbappe scored 10. Jjuuko argues that Argentina depended heavily on Messi’s experience and leadership to reach the final, especially given the physical limits faced by players approaching 40. The piece also briefly compares him with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, saying older elite players often struggle to maintain top-level impact.

The wider point of the commentary is motivational: Messi’s career is presented as a lesson in resilience, professional reinvention and returning after setbacks. Jjuuko concludes that even without another World Cup title, Messi’s long career still offers lessons beyond football.