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Lionel Messi continues to possess the spark that could guide Argentina to a second successive FIFA World Cup crown following their 2022 success in Qatar. Former Argentine defender Pablo Zabaleta believes the experienced forward remains perfectly positioned to deliver once again, thanks to the strong support he receives both with the national team and at Inter Miami. According to Zabaleta, the current tactical system is designed to bring out the best in the footballing legend often referred to as the GOAT.

Zabaleta’s confidence in Messi’s pursuit of more glory

In an interview with The National, Pablo Zabaleta expressed his conviction that Lionel Messi can achieve another global triumph. Zabaleta, who earned 58 international caps and shared a decade-long career with Messi for Argentina, has witnessed the forward’s evolution up close. The 41-year-old emphasised that Argentina have maintained their relentless drive, following their World Cup success with the 2024 Copa America title. Despite their achievements, Zabaleta noted that the team’s motivation remains undiminished. “Even after all the success, winning the World Cup and that period of winning 39 games... you can still see that the players have the hunger and the competitiveness to continue to do well for the national team,” he said.

A tactical evolution to protect the GOAT

As Messi moves through his late 30s, Argentina have adjusted their tactical approach to maximise his effectiveness. The coaching staff recognise that the team’s talisman cannot press with the same intensity as in his younger years. Instead, the team now compensates for him by doing the running, a structure that Zabaleta believes mirrors the approach at Inter Miami. “If you see the MLS games these days, the players around Messi [at Inter Miami], I think it’s a bit similar to what we have seen now in the national team,” Zabaleta explained. “You know, it is Messi surrounded by players that want to do well for Messi. They want to run as much as they can for Messi.”

Saving energy for the decisive moments

This tactical system enables Messi to conserve his energy for the crucial attacking phases of play. Positioned just outside the penalty box, he waits for the right moment to strike. Zabaleta believes this structure perfectly complements Messi’s current physical condition. “Obviously, we don’t have the Messi of five years ago that maybe he can drop deep and get a ball, you know, on the halfway line and just run as before,” he admitted. “But I think if the team manages to find a way to rest off the ball, but then when they get back in possession, they can find him in a good position, he still can do the rest.”

What lies ahead for the Argentine legend?

Looking forward, Messi is determined to secure another World Cup triumph after his unforgettable 2022 victory in Qatar. Argentina will begin their campaign against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan in the remaining group-stage matches. As Messi extends his record to 26 appearances at the World Cup finals, Zabaleta remains confident in his former teammate’s ability to deliver once again. “Hopefully, he still has that moment of magic to win games and [to] win the World Cup. Why not?” Zabaleta concluded.

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