According to L'Équipe, 39-year-old Messi showed astonishing form in this FIFA World Cup, with his nutritionist revealing that he is in better physical condition than in the last FIFA World Cup.

Messi's performance in this FIFA World Cup has been surprising, not only with records, goals, and brilliant skills, but also with his lean physique and gaunt face almost like a ghost after matches. Since the start of the FIFA World Cup, 39-year-old Messi has surprised observers. In the quarter-final against Switzerland (3-1 after extra time), despite the strong physical play and tight marking from Swiss players, he struggled to create many threats but still played the full 120 minutes, and almost avoided extra time with a shot in the 90+2 minute that grazed the post.

It has been repeatedly said that the Argentine captain no longer sprints as frequently as he did in his prime, allocating many low-intensity periods in each game without tracking back or pressing, only to be more lethal and accurate when releasing the ball. But this physical management doesn't explain everything. His personal nutritionist, sports nutrition expert Ismael Galancho, revealed some physical data about this phenomenal player.

Based on figures provided by professional sports data companies, Galancho pointed out that Messi's "highest sprint speed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup was 29.38 km/h," while "so far in this FIFA World Cup, Leo's top speed has reached 30.9 km/h, an improvement of over 5%." He added: "Between 2009 and 2015, Leo's top speed was approximately 32.5-33.5 km/h, with some isolated measurements even close to 34 km/h. However, maximum speed usually declines significantly after age 30. The average annual decline in speed between 30 and 35 years old is 1% to 2%, and after 35, it's 1.5% to 3% annually."

Galancho concluded: "Although he is four years older than four years ago, his physical condition in this FIFA World Cup is actually better than the last. What exactly did we do to reverse his biological age? I cannot say, but I am very satisfied with the results, and with Leo's dedication and hard work over the years."

Certainly, if this former Barcelona and Paris player hadn't completely changed his professional athlete's eating habits from his youth, he couldn't have had such a long career. Back then, he loved pizza, hot dogs, red meat, and soda, but about 15 years ago, under the guidance of Italian Giuliano Poser, he began to adopt a healthy and balanced diet. This change at the time was more to combat frequent muscle injuries and stomach pains that caused vomiting, rather than to extend his career. Sleep, strength training, and muscle activation – he leads an almost monastic life, having established an extremely precise and unbreaking daily routine.

To be in optimal condition for this FIFA World Cup, he also underwent special preparation. While some European players were adjusting their playing time during a long season, the Inter Miami star doubled down on his efforts since the start of the MLS season in late February. This is not mere talk. Along with his Florida teammate and national team partner De Paul (32), he executed an intense training plan, gradually bringing his body into peak condition before the FIFA World Cup, perhaps to compensate for the unstable pace of the North American league.

For three months, the two trained extra every day. In addition to club group training, the pair also underwent personalized training daily under the guidance of a private physical trainer, focusing on strength and intensity training, with loads pre-adjusted for the FIFA World Cup. Interspersed with MLS matches, they could feel the effects of their efforts: in May, "La Pulga" contributed 5 goals and 7 assists, while De Paul contributed 2 goals and 2 assists.

Argentina coach Scaloni said a few days ago: "Leo's running distance in games is pretty much the same, no more, no less. Statistically, I don't think there's much difference. But what he does is more crucial. I don't know if you've seen what Henry said, he played with him: when Leo feels he can create a threat, he's a machine. Those who don't know him might be surprised, but I'm not surprised he can maintain this level at 39. Logically, it will end one day, when he's 50. But as long as he wants to play, he is the best." Maintaining this level for a few more days will be enough to satisfy him and the Argentine team.

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