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Argentina may have America to thank for Lionel Messi's latest World Cup heroics
By trading intense European competition for a less demanding MLS schedule, Lionel Messi has preserved his peak physical condition, enabling standout performances for Argentina at the World Cup.
Lionel Messi continues to demonstrate elite sharpness at the World Cup, proving his move to Major League Soccer in the United States preserved his form rather than diminishing it.
Messi's transition to Inter Miami in 2023 allowed him to "live football in another way," benefiting from a less congested schedule than his intense years at Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain.
Scoring a hat trick against Algeria, Messi reached 16 total World Cup goals, moving level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi's consistent excellence, while Fox analyst Alexi Lalas called the 3-0 win against Algeria confirmation that "when it comes to Argentina, Messi is the system."
Inspired by Rafa Nadal's drive, Messi remains committed to playing for Argentina as long as he feels physically capable, saying "as long as I can and I am well, I will be there.