New Delhi: Lionel Messi is finding new ways to control games even at 39. He is not only scoring and assisting at the 2026 World Cup, but he is also walking more than any other forward in the tournament. According to OptaJoe, the only two instances of a forward covering 5km or more while walking in a single match have both come from Messi—5.2km against Cabo Verde and 5.3km against Switzerland.
In a high-intensity tournament where most players cover significant distances through sprinting, Messi’s walking distances stand out. It reflects his strategic positioning and energy management rather than constant running. In both matches, the Argentina captain influenced play effectively while conserving energy for key moments.
In the quarter-final against Switzerland, which Argentina won 3-1 after extra time, Messi played the role of a seasoned playmaker and creative orchestrator. With one assist and 10 won duels, Messi remained influential despite not scoring. The match went the distance, yet Messi comfortably remained influential without expending unnecessary energy through excessive running. His walking enabled him to manage his tempo and rhythm over 120 gruelling minutes.
The earlier instance against Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 showed a similar pattern. Messi covered 5.2km walking while still contributing creatively and in attack. He was the primary offensive spearhead for Argentina, registering nine shots, with six on target. As he advances in age, choosing walking over running helps conserve energy, making the Argentine forward that much more effective.
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‘He’s not running, but always involved’
Messi has already set new benchmarks in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the 21 goals and 10 assists in the tournament’s history, he continues to build on his legacy even as he advances in age. In modern football, where intensity and high-speed running often remain the default option, Messi’s walking stats offer an alternate viewpoint.
“He’s walking about. That’s what I like the most. He’s not out of the game. He’s always involved; he’s moving his head. He knows exactly what’s going to happen. He’s not running, but always watching the game,” Spanish coach Pep Guardiola said about Messi in the ‘This is Football’ documentary.
They showcase that experience and tactical intelligence allow a player to dominate without needing to match the physical output of younger teammates. His ability to cover large distances while walking highlights a distinct kind of fitness, based on reading the game and being in the right position, at the right time, with the right amount of energy.
As Argentina prepares for the semifinals, Messi’s efficiency will be crucial. His capacity to influence matches through positioning rather than constant movement has become one of the defining features of his 2026 campaign.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)