Lionel Messi, 39, showing improved top speed at this World Cup | OneFootball

Lionel Messi, 39, looks in outstanding condition at this World Cup, with tracking data indicating a small speed uplift on 2022, as Argentina prepare to face England in Wednesday’s semi-final at 21:00.

Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the quarter-finals. According to L'Équipe, the captain now conserves energy between bursts, taking fewer sprints and limited defensive duties to stay decisive.

His personal nutritionist Ismael Galancho has highlighted tracking figures. They show a 2022 top speed of 29.38 km/h, via Traclab, and a current tournament peak of 30.9 km/h, via Sofascore, a rise of more than five per cent. He also noted past peaks around 32.5 to 33.5 km/h, near 34 km/h on isolated readings, and said maximum speed typically falls after 30 by one to two per cent a year to 35, then by one and a half to three per cent annually.

Such longevity owes much to a wholesale dietary shift made about 15 years ago under Italian specialist Giuliano Poser. Once fond of pizzas, hot-dogs, red meat and fizzy drinks, Messi moved to a balanced plan after recurring muscle issues and gastric pain that caused vomiting. Sleep, activation and strength work now anchor a strict daily routine.

To reach this World Cup in peak condition, he ramped up from the MLS restart in late February. Alongside Rodrigo De Paul, 32, he doubled training for three months with a personal fitness coach, prioritising strength and intensity and tailoring loads for the tournament.

The workload was reflected in May with five goals and seven assists for Messi, and two goals and two assists for De Paul. Coach Lionel Scaloni has noted it will end one day, but believes that as long as Messi wants it, he will be the best.

Source: L'Équipe