63% of the time walking and eight goals: Messi's method for defying time at the World Cup
Diet, load management and 63% of the time walking: understand how Messi arrived at 39 as the World Cup's all-time top scorer with eight goals.
Eight goals. Thirty-nine years old. And 63% of his time on the pitch simply walking. It sounds contradictory — but that is precisely the paradox that explains why Lionel Messi remains the greatest scorer in World Cup history.
According to a report by The Athletic, cited by ge, Messi has adopted a clear physical management strategy during Argentina's matches: conserve energy for the vast majority of the time, then explode in the moments that truly matter. Bursts of pace, through balls, shots on goal. Everything else? One step at a time.
But the secret goes far beyond what happens on the pitch. As Spanish newspaper Marca detailed, the transformation began after the 2014 World Cup, when Argentina lost the final in Brazil. From that point on, Messi prioritised building muscle mass to prevent injuries and adjusted his diet to control blood sugar and body fat — changes that make a particular difference for athletes over 30.
His move to MLS in 2023, which many read as a quiet farewell to elite football, was actually part of the plan. A lighter schedule, more time for recovery and preparation. The result: a contract with Inter Miami extended through 2028. Messi plans to play until he is at least 41.
Off the pitch, the support structure is equally impressive. A team of physiotherapists providing individualised sessions — including during holidays. Two parallel advisory teams: one for finance and business, another for image and communications. All of it designed so the star does not have to worry about anything other than football.
Golmetria's model gives Argentina a 22.88% chance of lifting the trophy — and Messi, facing England this Wednesday in Atlanta, has every reason to show why that figure is no exaggeration.
At 39, he is not merely surviving at the World Cup. He is leading the scoring charts. The question now is simple: how far can this man go?