‘Circle of stones’ challenge for Messi’s Argentina: how the second world championship requires more than passes
Lionel Messi remains a fundamental pillar for the success of the Argentine national team’s passing scheme. The decisive contribution expected from the star is precisely the “final touch” that makes the difference on the field.
The Argentine team has been dominant in recent clashes, with ball control and passing that guarantee a sequence of positive results. However, this apparent tactical perfection may have a weak point: the monotony in the rhythm of the game allows opposing defenses to adjust and nullify offensive actions. Sports journalist Takeo Goto, analyzing examples from the national championship with Nankatsu SC and coach Yoshihiro Kazama, highlights the tactical obstacles that the current champions need to overcome to dream of winning the World Cup for the second year in a row.
Messi’s performance in Argentina’s battle towards the second title
Superstar Messi demonstrated his genius by scoring two spectacular goals in a standout performance, complementing the hat-trick already achieved in the first match of the tournament. Even missing a penalty, the striker was crucial, scoring the goals that opened and closed the scoring, highlighting the importance of his presence for the current world champions.
Leia Também
Messi reaches 19 goals in FIFA World Cups with great free kick for Argentina in clash with Jordan
Cristiano Ronaldo shines beyond the pitch at the 2026 World Cup with business empire and family luxury
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirms his historic legacy and prepares to shine in the 2026 World Cup
Ancient ‘stone ring’ game in Mexico: a parallel with football
Long before the arrival of Spanish soldiers led by Hernán Cortés, in 1519, an ancestral ball game already existed in Mexico, known today as “pelota”. In it, a massive and heavy rubber ball was manipulated with elbows, knees and feet, equipped with protections. The dynamics of the game were reminiscent of volleyball, but immediate victory was assured when the ball passed through a stone ring fixed high on the court wall. Although difficult, it is said that the captain of the victorious team was honored with the sacrifice of his own heart, and not the loser.
Getting the ball through this ring, little bigger than itself and suspended in the air, was an arduous task, comparable to the difficulty of scoring a goal in modern football. Although a goal is 7.32 meters wide by 2.44 meters high, the defense is crowded with five or six tall players, around 190 cm, and one of them is allowed to use his hands to block. To break through this barrier and find the back of the net, specific skills are required: simulating a shot with effect to the opposite side, controlling the ball with one or two touches and, at the moment the defender opens his legs, finishing in the nearest corner. Scoring requires a set of talents that are different from the simple ability to exchange passes. It is for this reason that, even with possession of the ball and proximity to the opponent’s goal, many teams fail to score, making defeats a common occurrence.
