Even at 39, Lionel Messi can still hurt England with his sprinting ability

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi continues to pose a threat to opponents including England, using a strategy of conserving energy before unleashing bursts of speed at key moments. Analysis of his movement data, including a notable performance against Switzerland, shows his top speed remains comparable to younger contemporaries. The Argentina captain's ability to cover ground quickly when it matters most means he remains a dangerous attacking force at the 2026 World Cup.