info@efdeportes.com

Independent

(Spain)

Received: 08/24/2026 - Accepted: 08/25/2026

Accessible document. Law N° 26.653. WCAG 2.0

Suggested reference Arrung, E. (2026). Messi, the Legend Continues. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 31(339), 247-252. https://www.efdeportes.com/efdeportes/index.php/EFDeportes/article/view/9114

 

Abstract

    Following his sixth World Cup in 2026, Lionel Messi maintains his elite performance by adapting his style to incorporate tactical intelligence, strategic vision, and set pieces. This enduring sporting presence fuels a powerful global commercial ecosystem that benefits brands, media, and iGaming. Looking ahead to 2030, the possibility of playing in the Centenary tournament in Argentina represents the ideal way to cap off his legendary career.

    Keywords: Lionel Messi. 2030 World Cup. Soccer.

 

Resumen

    Tras su sexta Copa del Mundo en 2026, Lionel Messi sostiene su rendimiento de élite readaptando su estilo hacia la inteligencia táctica, la visión estratégica y la pelota parada. Esta vigencia deportiva impulsa un poderoso ecosistema comercial global que beneficia a marcas, medios e iGaming. De cara a 2030, la posibilidad de disputar el Centenario en Argentina representa el broche de oro ideal para cerrar su legendaria carrera.

    Palabras clave: Lionel Messi. Mundial 2030. Fútbol.

 

Resumo

    Após o seu sexta Copa do Mundo em 2026, Lionel Messi mantém o seu desempenho de elite adaptando o seu estilo para incorporar inteligência tática, visão estratégica e bolas paradas. Esta presença desportiva duradoura alimenta um poderoso ecossistema comercial global que beneficia as marcas, os media e a iGaming. Olhando para 2030, a possibilidade de jogar no torneio do Centenário na Argentina representa a forma ideal de coroar a sua lendária carreira.

    Unitermos: Lionel Messi. Copa do Mundo de 2030. Futebol.

 

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 31, Núm. 339, Ago. (2026)

---

 

From Qatar to North America: the historic feat in their sixth World Cup 

 

    After his outstanding performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, many doubted Messi's presence four years later. He had scored seven goals across the group stage, knockout rounds, and final, providing key assists and playing every minute of the tournament.

 

    With his participation in the 2026 World Cup, he reached his sixth World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), becoming one of the few footballers in history to achieve this feat. This continuity at the highest level of the sport generated enormous expectations among the general public and a massive movement of predictions on global entertainment and betting platforms such as Lotus365. In the group stage, Argentina topped Group J undefeated against rivals such as Algeria, Austria and Jordan, with Messi contributing key goals and assists to seal qualification.

 

Source: Gemini AI Flash

 

    In the knockout phase, he played an active role in generating offense and providing assists during the decisive matches of the tournament, with an outstanding performance in the unforgettable victory against England in the semi-final.

 

Tactical relevance and brand power 

 

    Lionel Messi's motivation to maintain peak performance lies in the transformation of his playing style, evolving from an explosive striker to a complete playmaker. His peripheral vision and tactical awareness mean he doesn't need to cover great distances, because his ability to detect open spaces and thread passes between the lines allows him to control the tempo of the game by patrolling the field and accelerating at the precise moment.

 

    At the same time, it is very precise in set-piece situations, both He's effective on free kicks and crosses, making him a consistent goal-scoring threat that doesn't rely on speed or physical exertion. He's also a leader, controlling the team's tempo and inspiring the younger players around him.

 

    He also maintains his competitive spirit and collaborative style of play, free from the pressure of achieving unprecedented titles after his successes with Argentina and the various teams he has played for throughout his extensive professional career. His current motivation is the experience of the game itself and the enjoyment of each day on the pitch.

 

    Lionel Messi's continued presence as an active player is a key catalyst for a global business ecosystem that extends far beyond ticket sales or traditional sports sponsorships. His continued presence on the field feeds back into and multiplies the financial value of various strategic industries such as streaming and media, sportswear and footwear, tourism and hospitality, real estate, and sports franchises, while also boosting commercial activity in the digital entertainment and iGaming sectors through platforms like Lotus365.

 

    With Messi at the helm, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) increased its brand value, incorporating more than a hundred sponsors in areas such as technology, banking and services.

 

The dream of 2030 and a perfect ending at home 

 

    The chances of Lionel Messi playing in the next World Cup (Spain, Portugal and Morocco 2030, with commemorative matches in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay) will depend on physical and personal factors.

 

    Messi will turn 43 during the tournament in 2030. While there are precedents of veteran players in the history of the competition — such as Roger Milla playing in USA 1994 at 42 years old —, achieving this as an outfield player at the elite level will require exceptional physical condition.

 

    At the same time, he should extend his professional contract with Inter Miami after December 2028, maintaining a competitive pace for at least another year and a half. As he has demonstrated in recent seasons, his playing style allows him to be less dependent on physical explosiveness, thus extending his career without losing tactical weight.

 

    The 2030 World Cup will celebrate the Centenary of the World Cup and Argentina will host its opening match at the Monumental Stadium. The opportunity to play an official World Cup group stage match in his own country represents an unprecedented symbolic attraction as he closes out his career. For the captain, the 2030 World Cup is not just a statistic, but the chance to bring to a close the greatest story in world football, the final great performance of a legend.

 

References 

 

Gong, H., & Watanabe, N.M. (2025). The star effect of Lionel Messi on secondary market ticket prices in Major League Soccer. Journal of Sport Management, 40(3), 207-223. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2025-0019

 

Shezi, N. (2025). The impact of sports celebrity endorsement on profit generation from endorsed brands: A study of Lionel Messi. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), 7(6), 676-685. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v7i6.947

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 31, Núm. 339, Ago. (2026)