Lionel Messi's energy‑saving playstyle powers Argentina at 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi has limited his running distance at the 2026 World Cup to just 35,868 metres, with 64% of that covered at a walking pace (0‑7 km/h). He averages roughly five minutes of high‑speed effort in a full match, yet remains the tournament’s top scorer and the player with the lowest distance per game.

The tactic helped Argentina overturn a 2‑0 deficit against Egypt in the round of 16 and secure a 3‑2 win over Cape Verde in the last‑16, setting up a quarter‑final clash with Switzerland.

Off the pitch Messi maintains a low‑profile family life with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children, a stability he and analysts credit for his sustained performance, contrasting with more publicly exposed peers.

In the wider World Cup context, penalty shoot‑outs remain hazardous: since 1982, only 68.6% of the 360 kicks have been successful. Even legends such as Maradona and Baggio have missed, and teams like England and the Netherlands have win rates of 25% and 20% respectively, underscoring the pressure on any player, including Messi, in shoot‑out situations.