Messi’s World Cup performances show the evolution of the sport: Wenger

Lionel Messi’s impressive performances at the 2022 World Cup “show the evolution of modern sport,” according to former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Wenger made the observation while speaking alongside German legend Jurgen Klinsmann at a press conference for FIFA’s Technical Study Group.

The tournament in Qatar has seen a number of older players in leading roles for their national teams, including 35-year-old Lionel Messi, who will lead his Argentina side in the World Cup final against France.

Luka Modric, 37, impressed for Croatia as they reached the semi-finals, while Olivier Giroud is likely to lead the line for France on Sunday after breaking Thierry Henry’s record as Les Bleus’ all-time top scorer aged 35.

At the other end of the scale, Jude Bellingham, 19, was a driving force in England’s progress to the quarter-finals and Kylian Mbappe, at 23, could become the youngest player to win two World Cups since Pele if France’s win over Argentina .

Wenger believes this World Cup shows how modern sport is evolving, with new technologies helping participants to extend their careers.

“I succeeded [Arsenal] 2006 against Barcelona in the Champions League final and Messi already started playing,” Wenger said at the press conference.

“This is 2006, we are in 2022 – this is 16 years later and he is still fighting for the title of player of the tournament.

“This tournament shows the development of modern sport.

“This tournament is the tournament of the young players who are getting ready sooner and earlier in top-level sport, and also the tournament of the players who are always lasting longer than ever.

“We haven’t seen World Cups with dominant 35-year-old players, but we have Giroud, we have Messi, Modric – 37 – dominant players in this tournament.

“It shows that despite all the negativity about the health and well-being of players, the life of a top athlete is longer. They are ready sooner and finished later.”

Sunday’s game is likely Messi’s last chance to get his hands on the World Cup, the trophy he has eluded for so long, including a heartbreaking overtime loss to Germany in the 2014 final.