How Messi at 39 aims to outwit opponents at the World Cup

In a packed stadium on Sunday evening, 39‑year‑old Lionel Messi prepares to face Spain at 21:00, set to become the oldest field player ever in a WK‑final at 39 years and 25 days. The Argentine superstar’s presence still dominates the highest stage of the sport.

Hoe Messi continues to defy expectations, the Argentine remains decisive as the World Cup reaches its climax. At 39, he is still a pivotal figure, and his age makes him the oldest participant in a WK‑final.

"Dat hij beter dan ooit is, gaat me te ver," says former assistant coach Henk ten Cate. He adds, "I have seen him better many times, but he is still very good. It is bizarre and special."

The 71‑year‑old Ten Cate was assistant to Frank Rijkaard at FC Barcelona from 2003 to 2006, a period that saw Messi debut at 16 in the first team, marking the start of a glorious career.

De statistieken laten zien dat Messi minder loopt, minder hard loopt en minder vaak sprint dan in eerdere toernooien, maar met acht doelpunten en vier assists overtreft hij zijn vijf andere WK‑optredens. "Ik zie een Messi die zuiniger met zijn krachten omspringt," adds Ten Cate, noting his smarter positioning.

Sportpsycholoog Joost Pluijms observes, "Experienced athletes recognize patterns earlier, anticipate better and select relevant information faster." He continues, "Thus they need to correct their position less often; the first meters are already made in the mind."

Pluijms also explains, "Messi masters the alternation of gas and brake, preserving intensity for moments that matter. This is not laziness but cleverness."

Messi began his World Cup preparation in February with a personal trainer and teammate Rodrigo De Paul, following a special program alongside his Inter Miami duties. Muscle problems surfaced at the end of May, but a few days of rest saw him recover and enter the tournament in optimal condition.

Reflecting on a missed Champions League final due to a similar injury, Ten Cate says Messi learned to respect his body, adjust his diet, lifestyle and surround himself with experts. Pluijms adds, "Self‑knowledge is expertise; a 39‑year‑old top athlete knows his body and reacts to warning signals better than a 25‑year‑old."

"Dit Argentinië is volledig op hem afgestemd," says Ten Cate, while Pluijms notes the whole team is built to let Messi flourish. "Pleasure is a necessity," he concludes, emphasizing that enjoyment, autonomy and love for the game help sustain a long‑lasting career.