Historic Soccer Stars Often Hinder Their Teams at 2026 World Cup Except Messi
The 2026 World Cup has highlighted a striking trend: veteran soccer stars can sometimes be more of a burden than a benefit to their national teams, even jeopardizing their chances of success. This was evident in the early eliminations of Portugal and Croatia, where iconic players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić underperformed. Ronaldo, despite a lackluster tournament and only standing out against weaker opposition like Uzbekistan, was kept in the lineup by coach Roberto Martínez, which did not prevent Portugal's exit. Similarly, Modrić appeared exhausted and ineffective from the start, contributing to Croatia's defeat in extra time against Portugal.
Belgium's coach Rudy Garcia took decisive action by substituting Kevin De Bruyne mid-game against Senegal to preserve the team's chances, and De Bruyne was not fielded against the United States. Such tough decisions are challenging when dealing with superstar players, but the tournament underscores the importance of recognizing when a veteran player is detrimental to the team.
Lionel Messi stands out as the exception. Despite missing two penalties, including one in the latest match, his overall contribution remains vital. Unlike others, Messi adapts his play to the situation, conserving energy when not needed and intensifying his effort at critical moments, such as after Argentina conceded a second goal to Egypt. His leadership and ability to elevate his performance contrast with other aging stars who seem blinded by ego and unaware of their limitations.
However, Messi alone cannot carry Argentina to victory. The 2026 Argentine team has not yet matched the 2022 champions, as other key players initially failed to step up. Only in the final 25 minutes against Egypt did teammates like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández begin to contribute meaningfully. With France and Spain looming as formidable opponents due to their offensive depth and efficiency, Argentina's confidence has grown since the round of 16, now feeling nearly unbeatable when united.
This World Cup thus illustrates the critical balance coaches must strike between relying on legendary players and fostering a cohesive, dynamic team capable of advancing deep into the tournament.
