Messi is an example for everyone who begins to engage in this sport. He looks 19 or 23 years old.” That’s it Luis de la Fuentecoach of the Spanish national team, spoke about Leo, the 39-year-old player (he turned 39 on June 24) who is on the podium at this World Cup and, with one game less, is the top scorer (together with Mbappe) with eight goals in five games (four MVP awards).
But how did Leo manage to end up in such a physical and mental state? Messi wouldn’t be the greatest player in history if it was all down to talent, because in such an elite sport, only hard work and consistency can get you to the World Cup at 39, still in great shape.
When Leo signed with Inter Miami in June 2023, there was a lot of criticism. “He’s going to retire in the minor leagues,” they said. Few people knew (and few know because MLS is not so widely watched in Spain) that this league is very physical (different temperatures, latitudes, artificial turf, a lot of travel…). “Here, if you’re not fit, you don’t play,” Inter Miami player Sergio Reguilon, Leo’s teammate, told us a few days ago. “Messi’s example shows that MLS prepares you for the big leagues. The same goes for De Paul.– he concluded.
Leo’s career has progressed year by year, even month by month (he never confirmed that he was going to play at the World Cup… just in case), but a few months ago (in October) he extended his contract with Inter until the end of 2028, knowing that he was hungry to continue playing and winning titles. “I don’t set goals for myself, I just want to continue to enjoy football and try to continue to win with this group of players,” Leo often tells us in the mixed zone.
Messi and Argentina celebrate “like crazy” in the dressing room after beating Egypt 3-2.
But, as we have already said, the longevity of the Rosario native is not only due to his ambitions or genius. His body at his age requires care and that requires planning and surrounding himself with the right people, such as his father and family in general; a marketing team that manages all his affairs without bothering him too much; the public relations team (Unique FC) that superbly manages his public appearances, led by Marcelo Mendes… Nothing is by chance.
His preparation for 2026 was aimed at being in top shape for the World Cup, as well as performing well in MLS. Leo triumphs in MLS 25, being named tournament MVP and top scorer (25 goals). MLS wisely allowed him to spend pre-season training in January and February, then perform well and arrive at the World Cup in great shape. Since February he has played every match: 14 matches and 12 goals.
Everything plays a role, but nothing was forced. Nothing that any professional player does not do: diet, physiotherapy, rest… Indeed, Leo’s diet changed after the 2014 World Cup, when Giuliano PoserItalian doctor. Leo has improved his muscle mass… but let’s not get carried away. All within the normal training that other players do, especially at his age. He also benefited from additional physical therapy sessions with one of his trainers, Inter coach Guillermo Hoyosa. But nothing extraordinary.
Our colleague Hernan Klausfrom the Ole newspaper, mentioned the LM speed yesterday. “Between 2009 and 2015, Leo’s top speed was around 32.5–33.5 km/h, and in some individual measurements it reached 34 km/h,” commented “Ole,” referring to a post by Spaniard Ismael Galancho. And Leo at this World Championship showed a maximum speed of 30.9 km/h, which is 5% more than in 2022. Something inexplicable. An alien also in his physical abilities.
Yesterday, in response to a question from MARCA, Scaloni responded to a question about Messi’s physical condition: “He runs about the same amount in matches; it’s not that he runs more or less. He is much more determined and I think the team helps him a lot, but physically his preparation has paid off. What is clear is that he gives everything he has. When he senses an opportunity to create danger, he is a machine. It doesn’t surprise me; perhaps it surprises people who don’t know him. So far. “He is motivated, he will be the best. Those of us who know him, who see him train, know his capabilities, seeing what he did at 23 with Guardiola at Barcelona, I think he will be the best as long as he wants it.”
Given all these considerations and taking into account that Leo’s career progresses every year, no one can say with absolute certainty that Messi will not qualify for the 2030 World Cup, where he will be 43 years old. This will be his seventh world championship. With a competitive beast like him… no one can take him off the field. Only he can retire. Long live the genius!