Lionel Messi has spent 63% of this World Cup walking — but he is always ready to pounce

Lionel Messi, aged 39, has spent 63% of his movement at the current World Cup walking, a share far higher than any other outfield player, while standing still for a further 25% and jogging only 8.6% of the time compared to the tournament average of 23%. Despite this minimal physical output, Messi played in Argentina's 3-2 comeback victory against Egypt in the round of 16, after which he uncharacteristically broke into tears. Analysts note that this energy-conserving style has long been a hallmark of his game, with Messi himself admitting he used to hide behind a tree to avoid running drills as a youth at Newell's Old Boys.