As Lionel Messi approaches his 39th birthday, the question of longevity inevitably shadows his glittering career. For most footballers, such an age signals retirement or, at best, a reduced role. Yet Messi—widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history—continues to defy convention, dazzling audiences with the same left-footed brilliance that has defined his legacy.
With the FIFA World Cup fast approaching on 11 June, attention has turned to Argentina’s bid to retain their title. Central to that ambition is Messi’s fitness. Many observers have argued that careful workload management and additional rest will be essential if he is to perform at his peak on football’s grandest stage. However, Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami CF, has firmly rejected that notion.
Mascherano, a former teammate and long-time confidant of Messi, believes that the forward thrives not through rest, but through consistent match play. According to him, Messi feels most comfortable and physically sharp when he remains actively engaged on the pitch rather than being sidelined for extended recovery periods.
Argentina’s preparations for the World Cup include upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, scheduled for Friday and 31 March respectively. Messi is expected to feature in both fixtures, signalling a deliberate strategy to maintain rhythm and match fitness. Notably, the player himself has yet to make a formal declaration regarding his participation in the tournament, preferring instead to assess his condition incrementally. His decisions, as always, will depend on how his body responds in the coming weeks.
Before joining the national squad, Messi featured for Inter Miami in a recent Major League Soccer match against New York City, scoring his 901st career goal—a remarkable milestone that underscores his enduring excellence. The performance also reinforced Mascherano’s argument that regular competition continues to benefit the veteran forward.
Speaking after the match, Mascherano emphasised the club’s commitment to managing Messi carefully while recognising his unique needs. He noted that, although the coaching staff takes every precaution, Messi is a player who derives physical and mental sharpness from playing regularly.
With Inter Miami already eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, their schedule is relatively light, consisting largely of weekly MLS fixtures. This reduced congestion provides an ideal balance—allowing Messi to remain active without being overburdened.
Below is a summary of Messi’s current situation and upcoming schedule:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Nearly 39 |
| Current Club | Inter Miami CF |
| Career Goals | 901 |
| Upcoming Fixtures (Argentina) | Mauritania, Zambia |
| World Cup Start Date | 11 June |
| Club Match Frequency | Approximately 1 per week |
Mascherano has also stressed Messi’s indispensable role within the team. Beyond his individual brilliance, his presence elevates the entire squad, inspiring confidence and cohesion.
The bond between Mascherano and Messi stretches back to their days at Barcelona and with the Argentine national team. This long-standing relationship affords the coach a deep understanding of Messi’s physical condition and psychological mindset. Their mutual trust ensures that decisions regarding workload and preparation are both measured and effective.
In essence, there is no sense of urgency or panic surrounding Messi’s readiness for the World Cup. Instead, Inter Miami are adopting a carefully calibrated approach—one that prioritises consistent playing time, measured recovery, and meticulous planning. Should this strategy prove successful, football fans worldwide may once again witness Messi orchestrating magic on the global stage.