Sports · Full coverage

Lionel Messi’s Unique Playing Style at 39 Raises Questions Ahead of Tougher World Cup Matches

How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

100% center

Center 2

First reported by Mako · 1 hour ago

What happened

At 39, Lionel Messi plays the 2026 World Cup mostly walking, conserving energy while scoring seven goals. His unique style has worked against weaker teams but raises concerns as Argentina faces stronger opponents. The team’s overall fitness and support will be crucial for success.

01Lionel Messi walks most of the time during 2026 World Cup matches, sprinting only 220 meters so far.
02He has scored seven goals but provided no assists, playing a freer, less active role.
03Argentina’s opponents so far have been relatively weak, raising questions about Messi’s style against stronger teams.
04Modern football demands high running and pressing, contrasting Messi’s minimal movement.
05Argentina’s team fitness and support will be key as they face tougher opponents like Colombia.
06Messi’s success depends on teammates covering more ground and maintaining form, as seen in 2022.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

In this story

People