Every touch carried a sense of history. Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria on Monday to become the FIFA World Cup‘s all-time leading scorer, while leading an Argentina side that looks more dangerous and connected with each match.
For the first time in his career, Messi is no longer weighed down by questions about winning “the big one” after leading Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022. Now, playing with a renewed sense of freedom and joy, the 38-year-old may be showing the best version of himself yet.
During FOX Sports’ post-game show, Peter Schmeichel and Clarence Seedorf couldn’t help but admire Messi after his 18th World Cup goal and another Argentina victory.
“It’s a privilege to be able to witness his life,” Seedorf said. “Greatness is happening every time we see this guy [Messi]. The query is, does he have any intention to cease? That final purpose says a lot about his ambition nonetheless.”
Messi has mentioned this may very well be his ultimate World Cup, however Seedorf hopes that will not be the case. He believes Messi is enjoying with a freedom and starvation which have elevated his recreation to a different stage.
“He was extra hungry than all the opposite gamers trying on the ball at the moment,” Seeford mentioned. “That claims all the pieces about his mentality. He’s on a distinct stage. His studying of the match. When he must be activated. When he must assist in protection. It’s brilliance on a regular basis.”
Seedorf believes Messi is enjoying with extra freedom and pleasure now that the stress of chasing a World Cup title is behind him. With the ultimate piece of his legacy secured, Messi appears as harmful as ever whereas having fun with the sport greater than ever.
“That’s gone now,” Seedorf mentioned. “Now, we’re seeing Messi actually on the prime of his recreation. His mindset. The studying of the match. The touches. The brilliance. We see it in all the pieces and the enjoyment. I’m loving seeing him smile a lot.”
Argentina has received each of its group-stage matches, however issues have emerged over the shortage of objectives from anybody aside from Messi. Schmeichel believes the group understands what it takes, slowly constructing into the event and determining what works greatest for them.
“They’re slowly constructing into the event,” Schmeichel mentioned. “They know what it takes. They’ve the successful system and you’ll learn it via the matches.”
As reigning champions, Schmeichel sees no actual concern with Argentina’s begin and believes they will nonetheless go deep within the event. Seedorf agrees, including that it’s solely a matter of time earlier than Argentina’s offense finds its rhythm.
“No, it doesn’t fear me,” Seedorf mentioned. “It signifies that the opposite killers that they’ve like Lautaro Martínez are nonetheless proper there and [Julián] Alvarez. We all know all these guys can rating objectives. I’m certain when wanted, different guys will arise.”
Argentina vs Austria Prolonged Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™
