Lionel Messi central to Argentina's offensive success, FIFA report finds

A FIFA technical report regarding the 2026 World Cup highlights the fundamental importance of Lionel Messi to the Argentina national team. According to the analysis, the Argentine star participated in 61.5% of his team's successful offensive possessions during the championship.

FIFA's methodology defines successful possession as actions leading to entry into the final third, penetration of the penalty area, crosses, or shots on goal. The report notes that Messi's influence extends beyond his eight goals and four assists, which made him the tournament's second-highest scorer.

Technical experts emphasized Messi's tactical freedom, noting that while nominally a center forward, he frequently dropped deeper into the space between the opponent's midfield and defense. This movement allowed him to act as a central pivot for playmaking and helped the team bypass defensive pressure.