Scaloni's formula unlocks Messi's enduring brilliance

Lionel Messi is shattering pre-tournament assumptions about his role in what many believed would be a farewell World Cup tour. Instead of a supporting act, the Argentine captain is delivering a performance for the ages, leading his team to the final with a record-shattering display of scoring and playmaking.

Four years ago, after lifting the World Cup in Doha, the narrative surrounding Messi suggested a player winding down, participating in one last tournament to be carried by his team. The current reality in the United States paints a starkly different picture. Messi has already scored eight goals, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, and is also setting new records for assists. His performances, including hat-tricks and multiple braces, demonstrate a player fully engaged and driven to win again.

Social psychologist Fabián Jalife, director of the consultancy BMC and creator of the documentary series "El método Scaloni," attributes Messi's sustained brilliance not just to physical prowess but to the environment meticulously crafted by coach Lionel Scaloni over eight years. This environment, which has already yielded two Copa América titles and a World Cup, is built on a foundation of mutual trust and high expectations, rather than pity for a retiring legend.

Scaloni himself hinted at this dynamic, stating before a quarter-final match that Messi would perform at his best "until he feels like it, but the moment will come when that will end." Crucially, younger teammates have embraced their role in supporting Messi. Jalife describes this as "taking Messi off the pedestal without diminishing his importance." This collective effort allows Messi to continue his extraordinary contributions while sharing the pressure and responsibility, ensuring he can perform at his peak for Argentina's pursuit of another title.