All good things must come to an end one day. That phrase, in essence, reflects the football genius Lionel Messi’s decision to end his extraordinary career by announcing that he had played his last for Argentina. For over two decades, he had dazzled the world of football, mesmerised millions of fans not just in Argentina but the world over and finally, when he proclaimed he was done, the reaction can only be imagined. A feeling of shock and disbelief is what covered football lovers; post-Diego Maradona, a former Argentine superstar himself, this was the man who had been selling football magic that once used to be said of Brazilian greats. Timing, it is said, is one key component in any great sportsperson’s skill repertoire and often that separates the genius from the best. And Messi’s skills, it can be said, were all about timing. On the field, he wove the kind of intrigue that opponents were often bewildered by.

His ability to find the openings or create space at the rival end and ensure the ball beat all as it sailed into the cage was something unparalleled. And when all that exhibition, which had earned Messi plaudits and rewards of the highest order, was completed, came his final act, another steeped in timing. The 2026 World Cup had ended just around a month and a half ago. Messi figured in this final but could not lead Argentina to........

© Mathrubhumi English