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World Cup: Messi, 39, still dominates, former Man City coach says England faced football's greatest brain

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Lionel Messi, 39, provided two key assists to help Argentina defeat England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
  • Former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola praised Messi's enduring performance, stating no player like him will ever exist again.
  • Guardiola highlighted Messi's exceptional football intelligence and control, noting he dictates the game's pace effortlessly.

Lionel Messi, at 39, continues to defy age and expectations, delivering a masterful performance in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. His two crucial assists guided Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England, securing their spot in the final for the second consecutive tournament.

In the future, there will not be another player like Messi.

— Pep GuardiolaFormer Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola's assessment of Lionel Messi's enduring performance at age 39.

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola lauded Messi's extraordinary ability to perform at the highest level, even at an age when most legendary players have retired. "In the future, there will not be another player like Messi," Guardiola stated, emphasizing that the Argentinean is rewriting history.

People always ask me why Messi can still do these things at 39. My answer is simple: because there has never been anyone like him in football history. Time defeats everyone, but somehow, it just can't defeat Messi.

— Pep GuardiolaPep Guardiola's explanation for Lionel Messi's sustained excellence.

Guardiola, who previously managed Messi at Barcelona, marveled at his enduring skill. "People always ask me why Messi can still do these things at 39. My answer is simple: because there has never been anyone like him in football history. Time defeats everyone, but somehow, it just can't defeat Messi," he said.

England is not facing an old player, but the greatest footballing brain in the history of the sport.

— Pep GuardiolaPep Guardiola's description of Lionel Messi's impact in the World Cup semifinal.

The Spanish coach described Messi's performance against England not as that of an aging player, but as the work of "the greatest footballing brain in the history of the sport." Guardiola observed Messi's unparalleled speed of thought, noting that by the time defenders realize what's happening, the ball is already in the net or a teammate is celebrating. "Every touch has purpose, every pass is a threat. He doesn't run the most, but he makes everyone else run for him," Guardiola added.

His football brain is 10 seconds faster than everyone else's. By the time defenders realize what's happening, the ball is already in the net, or his teammates are celebrating.

— Pep GuardiolaPep Guardiola's analysis of Lionel Messi's tactical speed and vision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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