WC 2026 ⚽ · 14 July 2026
Messi spends nearly half the match walking but still leads World Cup stats

Bryan Berlin via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Lionel Messi has scored eight goals and made three assists at the World Cup despite spending 47% of his time on the pitch walking, more than any other outfield player. The 39-year-old now saves his energy instead of constantly running, helping him stay effective. He will lead Argentina against England in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs
