We can all take a deep breath, and a quick rest, with the group stage of this electric World Cup officially over.
The bracket is set, and a de facto new competition will now begin.
So far, it’s been not only country versus country, but global superstar versus global superstar, and who’s leading the way with sjx goals in three group stage games? Lionel Messi. Who else?
The world’s greatest of all time has transformed into an ageless wonder. It was enough, we all thought, that the legend finally achieved
World Cup glory in Qatar. Surely that was the right time to call it quits on and walk off into the sunset.
Messi knew something instinctively the doubters did not. His story is not over.
He decided to make the move to Miami not only for a chance to make it big in America, and win an MLS trophy. That mission he already accomplished. The real objective was to lead a North American “soccer” renaissance heading into the 2026 World Cup.
The plan could not be going any better so far.
Messi is dominating the tournament individually, and Argentina again look like the favorites to go all the way, and become back-to-back champions.
Looking at the bracket, one side looks to be stronger than the other. Argentina’s path to the final is quite favorable.
They would be wise to not sleep on Cabo Verde, but assuming they take care of business, after that it’s Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16, followed by a possible quarter-final matchup against Colombia. Then, a semi-final against perhaps England, Brazil, or Norway.
If you’re Argentina and Messi, you have to like your odds.
Maybe none of this is too surprising. Messi is getting towards the very end of his career, but his playing style hasn’t changed much over the past decade.
For club, but especially for country, he has teammates who are willing to run through a wall for him. Messi’s job is to be lethal in front of goal, that’s it. For the Barcelona legend, that’s not a problem, it’s second nature.
There are many reasons to be excited about the global celebration of the beautiful game. The world’s best players are showing up, and underdog nations are too. With so much darkness, uncertainty, and polarization around the world, the competition is a powerful force that brings people together, and puts into perspective our common humanity.
We respond to the stories at a human level. It’s also where legends are made, and legacies are cemented.
For Messi, imagine what another World Cup trophy would mean when the final history of his career is written.
There will never be another player like him.
Let’s enjoy every game while we can.
