Messi walking tactic praised in FIFA report

US - FIFA Technical Committee say walking in match help Lionel Messi rest, manage energy. Proof: six goals in three World Cup 2026 group matches.

Report on early World Cup 2026 show many players play well near or past age 40: Messi (39), Luka Modric (40), Manuel Neuer (40), Cristiano Ronaldo (41). Different from past when 34 was retirement age for most.

Committee say walking, limiting movement in low-key phases, help older players stay effective. Player rest during match, explode at key moments, or move to low-contact, low-speed areas. Report quote: "Messi sometimes walk pitch to self-adjust best way."

Messi play in Argentina 3-0 Algeria match, Group J World Cup 2026, Kansas City, US, June 16. Photo: AP

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Agency led by former coach Arsene Wenger emphasize modern players have all tools to recover: rest, good food, physiotherapists. Some stars hire private chefs, nutritionists for peak fitness.

"We will see more players reach age 40. Life outside football is foundation for physical, mental health," Pablo Zabaleta, Gilberto Silva, former players, Committee members, say.

Ronaldo prime example. Scientific diet: natural food, high protein, healthy fat, no fast food, no sugar. Superstar (41) start day with ham, low-fat yogurt, avocado toast, fresh fruit. Main meals: chicken, fish, steak, eggs, salad, greens. Snacks: nuts, fruit.

Training key to Ronaldo career longevity. Train at club, gym, swim, pilates at home. First player score in six World Cups, share record of playing six tournaments with Messi.

Messi lead top scorer race: six goals, three group matches. Two goals ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, Vinicius. Ronaldo has two goals, Modric one assist.

Other point in World Cup 2026 report: time-wasting down. Record active play time, beat Champions League, Euro, other major leagues. Average goals beat past World Cups: 2.9 goals per match.

Report admit water breaks change match tempo, impact positive or negative depending on team, match. Breaks happen mid-half, let players rest, drink water to fight North American heat.

Key events: Argentina 3-1 Jordan, Group J World Cup 2026, June 26.

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