I'm not spending time thinking about my age: Messi
Dallas, June 23
After becoming the FIFA World Cup's all-time scorer two days shy of his 39th birthday, Lionel Messi said he is not thinking about his age; his only focus is to remain fit.
The Argentina captain netted against Austria to surpass Miroslav Klose's record of 16 strikes at the global tournament with a first-half strike in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria in Dallas. He added another goal in stoppage time to take his career tally in the tournament to 18 goals.
"I'm not spending time thinking about my age. I'm simply focused on being well," Messi told reporters. "I feel physically good, and maybe that's why I'm playing better."
Monday's result moved Argentina to the top of Group J with six points, three points clear of second-placed Austria. With the reigning champion's progress to the round of 32 already assured, Messi said he was unsure if he would play in Argentina's final group match against Jordan on Saturday.
"The manager (Lionel Scaloni) will decide whether I play or not, or how much I play," the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said. "I feel good and happy to be part of this group, which always competes no matter who the opponent is and never relaxes."
Messi admitted that his missed penalty in the ninth minute of Monday's match had affected the team "a little". We missed two or three clear chances," he said.
"We were controlling the game, but the ball just wouldn't go in. Then we managed to recover, playing very intense, very fast football. The team competes, and competes very well. We can play better or worse, but there's no doubt we'll compete in every match the same way, no matter who the opponent is," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm not a huge football fan but even I know Messi's name. The way he talks about the team and not making excuses for the missed penalty is refreshing. In India we have so many overpaid cricketers who can't handle pressure, but here's a global icon staying grounded. Respect.
The guy is almost 39 and still competing at this level 🤯. Indians should take note - our sportsmen often retire early or lose motivation after 30. Messi shows age is just a number if you have passion and discipline. Also, Scaloni giving him rest is smart management for the knockouts.
Messi's philosophy is simple yet profound - don't worry about age, stay fit, and compete. As someone from the US where sports science is huge, I'd say his longevity is a testament to proper training and mental strength. The missed penalty but later scoring shows his resilience. Great leader.
Honestly wish our Indian football team could take inspiration from Argentina's mindset. Even when Messi missed a penalty, they controlled the game and didn't panic. The comment about 'competing no matter what' is gold. Also, 18 goals in World Cups? That's insane! Goat debate is over.
Not a fan of Messi's fanboys (and girls) in India who only watch him and ignore other sports, but I can't deny his greatness. Breaking Klose's record at this age without retiring early is immense. Plus giving credit to the team even after his heroics - that's real sportsmanship.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.