Lionel Messi, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on June 24, remains a pivotal figure in football, having won his eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023 and led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022.

As Inter Miami gears up for the Club World Cup, concerns have emerged regarding the team's competitiveness, particularly due to a lack of recent player acquisitions and the disparity in quality compared to global rivals.

At Inter Miami, where Messi currently plays, he is the central figure and key goal scorer, significantly influencing team strategy and player decisions.

Despite his individual brilliance, there are uncertainties about Messi's ability to lead a limited team like Miami in a major international tournament, making the upcoming Club World Cup a critical moment for both him and the club.

Messi's recent performances, including a stunning goal against Atlanta United, continue to showcase his ability to create memorable moments on the field.

In his late 30s, Messi's playing style has evolved; he now often plays as a deep-lying playmaker while still retaining his trademark skills and goal-scoring ability.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40 years old, continues to inspire fans, prompting questions about Messi's current status in the ongoing GOAT debate.

This debate was reignited following Ronaldo's impactful performance in the UEFA Nations League final on June 9, 2025.

However, Messi faces new challenges against younger MLS defenders, showing moments of reduced pace and effectiveness compared to his peak years.

During a recent qualifier, Messi requested to be substituted while the team was trailing, indicating a potential shift in team dynamics as younger players like Thiago Almada begin to step up.

Argentina's national team has transformed into a faster, younger squad that is no longer solely dependent on Messi, as demonstrated in a recent World Cup qualifier against Colombia.

Since joining Miami in 2023, Messi has scored 32 goals and provided 23 assists, highlighting his continued effectiveness in MLS despite the challenges of aging.