The unpredictable striker was unstoppable in Qatar, leading the Albiceleste to an incredible world championship in the Middle East with his outstanding play. Messi set the bar high for the entire tournament, scoring in all but two of the knockout rounds and keeping his composure in a thrilling penalty shootout against France. Argentina tried to get every bit of form out of their captain, even if it meant asking him to conserve energy while others ran after him. Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff Matias Manna, a video analyst, explained to Urbana Play how to do that: “I’m always focused on finding out what the team needs him for.

Messi also needs skilled midfielders. Good midfielders surround him in the best squad we have ever seen, for me it is in the 2022 World Cup or now, and that is one of the secrets of this team.

He continued, “The Ferraris that know how to stop and accelerate are Alexis (Mac Allister), Leandro Paredes, Enzo (Fernandez), Rodrigo De Paul and Gio (Lo Celso).” That attribute, I believe is necessary for our football, which is lacking other players with better physical condition.

Manna said: “We were watching the France-Morocco match. Messi’s contribution before the ball was kicked into the French net helped put Argentina in a position to win the match. Another long-time veteran also played a role. important role as he also found the back of the net in normal times. One player in particular, Sofiane Boufal, consistently outperformed the French right back, Julius Kounde. Lio informed me that Angel [Di Maria] must play there if he does so there. That is, in my opinion, the most important choice in the history of Argentine football.

Messi won the World Cup, following in the footsteps of compatriot Diego Maradona and going on to win his eighth Ballon d’Or. In 2024, he plans to pursue even more significant honors with MLS team Inter Miami. He is also a candidate for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award in 2023.