From dazzling winger to veteran who barely runs - the evolution of Messi
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Lionel Messi is 38 and is preparing for his sixth World Cup, matching the record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa.
- Lionel Messi made his Barcelona debut in 2003 as a right winger in a friendly against Jose Mourinho's Porto.
- Pep Guardiola moved Messi from the right wing to a central false‑nine role in 2009, a change that helped Barcelona beat Real Madrid 6‑2 at the Bernabeu.
- Frank Rijkaard instructed Messi to play “right in the centre of things” early in his Barcelona career, emphasizing more touches on the ball.
- Argentina could become the first nation since 1962 to defend a World Cup title, with Messi expected to be central to that effort.
Why it matters: Argentina gains a chance to become the first nation since 1962 to defend a World Cup, with Messi’s record‑tying sixth appearance anchoring the campaign for the country.
