Spain may have won World Cup but Messi still offers plenty of lessons

What the report says

The Observer published a commentary reflecting on the conclusion of the World Cup, which it said ended on Monday morning East African time after a month of matches in Mexico, Canada and the United States. According to the article, Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after 120 minutes, leaving Lionel Messi’s side short in what the writer described as likely his final World Cup appearance.

The piece focused less on Spain’s title and more on Messi’s longevity and adaptation. It noted that Messi, aged 39, was playing a third World Cup final after appearances in 2014 and 2022, and contrasted his continued influence with the shorter peak years typical of many elite footballers. The columnist said Messi had already moved from European football to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, but still helped Argentina reach the final as a playmaker and leader for younger teammates.

The Observer’s writer cited Messi’s tournament contribution as eight goals and four assists, saying only France’s Kylian Mbappe scored more with 10. The commentary argued that Messi adjusted his game by conserving energy, reading space, taking greater responsibility in set pieces and relying more on vision than the explosive running associated with his earlier career.

The article framed Messi’s career as a broader lesson in resilience. It recalled his temporary retirement from Argentina after earlier final defeats, followed by later success in the Copa America and World Cup. The writer concluded that even without winning this tournament, Messi’s career offers examples of adaptation, persistence and recovery from setbacks.