How Does Messi, at 39 Years Old, Still Play Like a Teenager?

Imagine your grandpa playing soccer better than almost everyone in the world. That’s kind of what’s happening with Lionel Messi!

The Amazing 39-Year-Old

Luis de la Fuente, the coach of the Spanish national soccer team, recently said something shocking: "Messi is an example for everyone starting out in this sport. He seems like he’s 19 or 23 years old."

Let’s look at the facts:

• Messi is 39 years old (he had his birthday on June 24th).
• He is on the podium at the World Cup.
• He has played one less game than some, but is still the top scorer (tied with Mbappé) with 8 goals in 5 games.
• He has won the "MVP" (Most Valuable Player, or best player of the match) award 4 times.

Important Point: Even though he is almost 40, Messi is performing like a young superstar!

It’s Not Just Magic (Talent Alone)

You might think Messi is just naturally gifted. But here’s the truth: he wouldn’t be the greatest in history if it were all just talent.

In super high-level sports (we call this "elite"), only two things get you to a World Cup at age 39 in top shape:

1. Hard work
2. Consistency (doing the right things every single day)

The Inter Miami Adventure

In June 2023, Messi (who is from a city called Rosario) signed up to play for a team called Inter Miami in a league called the MLS (that’s a soccer league in the United States). A lot of people made fun of him. They said, "He’s going to retire in a minor league."

But they were wrong!

• The MLS is actually very tough. Players face different weather, long trips, and even fake grass (artificial turf).
• His teammate Sergio Reguilón said: "Here, if you’re not in good physical shape, you don’t play."
• Messi’s great playing shows that the MLS keeps you ready for the best leagues in the world. His teammate says the same is true for his friend De Paul.

(Fun snapshot: Messi and Argentina celebrated "like crazy" in the locker room after a 3-2 win over Egypt!)

Planning His Career Like a Puzzle

Messi plans his career very carefully, almost like a puzzle, looking at it year by year and even month by month.

• He didn’t even confirm he was playing in the World Cup until he was sure his body could do it!
• A few months ago (in October), he signed a new contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028.
• He says: "I don’t set goals, I just want to keep enjoying football and try to keep winning with this group of players."

The Secret Helpers (Team Behind the Scenes)

Messi’s long-lasting success isn’t just about wanting it badly. When you are older, your body needs extra care.

He surrounds himself with the right people so nothing is left to chance:

• Family: His dad and family help manage his life.
• Business Team: A marketing team handles his money and ads so he doesn’t get stressed.
• Communications Team: A group called Unique FC (led by Marcelo Méndez) handles his public appearances perfectly.

Eating Right and Muscle Care

To get ready for the 2026 World Cup, Messi also played really well in the MLS.

• He won the 2025 MLS season, was named MVP, and scored 25 goals!
• The league let him train in January and February so he could be in peak condition.
• Since February, he played every game: 14 matches and 12 goals.

What does he do that other pros do? Here are the steps:

1. Diet: After the 2014 World Cup, an Italian doctor named Giuliano Poser helped him change his food to build better muscles.
2. Physiotherapy: This is like special massage and exercise to keep muscles healthy. He does extra sessions with a trainer from his coach Guillermo Hoyos.
3. Rest: He makes sure to sleep and relax.

Important Point: None of this is "alien magic"—it’s just doing the normal professional stuff really, really well!

Speed Like a Superhero

A sports writer named Hernán Claus from the newspaper ‘Olé’ looked at Messi’s running speed (based on info shared by a Spanish person named Ismael Galancho).

• Between 2009 and 2015, Messi’s top speed was about 32.5 to 33.5 km/h (around 20 mph), with some rare cases of 34 km/h.
• In this World Cup, he hit 30.9 km/h, which is actually a 5% increase compared to 2022!

Even at 39, his body is getting faster or staying super fast. That’s why some call him an "extraterrestrial" in physical ability.

What the Coaches See

Argentina’s coach, Scaloni, was asked about Messi’s shape. He told MARCA (a sports newspaper):

• Messi runs about the same amount as before, but he is much more decisive (he makes big things happen!).
• The team helps him, but his preparation paid off.
• When Messi senses a chance to attack, "he’s a machine."
• Scaloni says it doesn’t surprise those who know him. He also remembered that seeing what Messi did at age 23 with coach Guardiola at Barcelona was already hard to explain! Scaloni adds: "He’ll be the best as long as he wants to be."

Could He Play Until He’s 43?

Because Messi takes things slowly and carefully, nobody can say for sure he won’t show up at the 2030 World Cup.

• He would be 43 years old.
• It would be his seventh World Cup.
• Only Messi himself can decide when to stop. As the article says: "With a competitive beast like him… nobody can retire him from the field. Only he can retire himself. Long live the genius!"

Summary

Lionel Messi is 39 years old but playing soccer like a 20-year-old. He is scoring tons of goals and winning awards at the World Cup. This isn’t just luck! He works incredibly hard, eats right, does muscle care, and has a great team of family and helpers. He proved the US league (MLS) is tough and keeps him fit. Coaches say he is a "machine" when motivated. Will he play until 43? Maybe! Only he can decide.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why did people criticize Messi for joining Inter Miami?
Many people thought the MLS (a soccer league in the USA) was easy and that Messi was just going there to finish his career. But the league is actually very physical and demanding, which helped keep Messi in great shape.

2. What is "physiotherapy" and why does Messi need it?
Physiotherapy is special care for your muscles and body, like expert massages and stretches. Older athletes use it to stay healthy and recover from hard games.

3. How fast is Messi running in the World Cup now?
He reached a top speed of 30.9 km/h (about 19 miles per hour) in this World Cup, which is actually 5% faster than he ran in 2022!

4. Will Messi really play in the 2030 World Cup?
Nobody knows for sure! He will be 43 years old, but because he plans his career so well and stays so fit, his coaches and fans don’t rule it out. Only he can decide to retire.