From dazzling winger to veteran who barely runs - the evolution of Messi

Article excerpt

Lionel Messi is preparing for his sixth World Cup with Argentina, a remarkable longevity that few players achieve. As Messi enters this tournament at an advanced stage of his career, his playing style has undergone a dramatic transformation, from the explosive, dazzling winger who seemed to defy physics in his prime to a more measured, cerebral operator who conserves energy and relies on positioning and experience. Guillem Balague examines how age and shifting tactical roles have reshaped the Argentine's game, exploring the trade-offs between his diminished athleticism and his accumulated soccer intelligence.