With less than a month until the World Cup kicks off, Lionel Messi has registered 10 goal involvements in his last 10 games for Inter Miami, signalling that he is peaking at the perfect time for what could be his final international tournament.
Manchester City’s Next Steps Without Guardiola
If Sunday’s final Premier League match against Aston Villa is indeed Pep Guardiola’s last as Manchester City manager, he will leave behind an extraordinary legacy: six league titles and 20 trophies over 10 seasons. However, he will also leave an almost impossible task for his successor, expected to be Enzo Maresca.
Replacing such a dominant figure is never easy. After Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United struggled with David Moyes; after Arsène Wenger, Arsenal faltered under Unai Emery; and while Arne Slot won the title in his first season after Jürgen Klopp, he has since faced difficulties. Guardiola’s success was built on meticulous tactics, training, and technical details, but the intangible aura he brought to the Etihad will be hardest to replace. As long as Guardiola was in charge, City possessed a fear factor that suggested he would always find a way to win.
City still boast one of the strongest squads in world football, even amid a rebuild, and they won trophies before Guardiola. Yet the Premier League will feel different without the greatest manager of his generation on the sidelines.
Is Messi Peaking at the Right Time for One Last World Cup?
Messi has not confirmed whether he will accept a call-up to Argentina’s World Cup squad this summer, but his recent performances suggest he is preparing for one final shot at glory. During Inter Miami’s match against Portland Timbers, Messi dazzled, dribbling past defenders and providing an assist for Germán Berterame’s goal. At 38, he appears to be at his best again.
Many believed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would be Messi’s final act at the elite level, but his current form in MLS proves he remains capable of match-winning moments. He may not play every minute for Argentina, but he is clearly motivated, reportedly doing double training sessions with Rodrigo De Paul to be ready. Messi has nothing left to prove, but his recent streak of 10 goal contributions in four games builds anticipation for what another World Cup could bring.
Celtic’s Title Win: Bad for Scottish Football?
Celtic’s latest league championship—their 14th in 15 seasons—raises questions about the state of Scottish football. Hearts led the Scottish Premiership for 250 days and needed only a draw against Celtic to become the first non-Old Firm side since Aberdeen in 1985 to win the title. But Celtic prevailed, despite a chaotic season that saw three different managers, two poor transfer windows, fan protests, and the banning of the Green Brigade.
That Celtic could win under such circumstances highlights the dominance of the Old Firm. Hearts bridged a vast financial gap this season, akin to Leicester City’s Premier League triumph, but they had the backing of Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics. Celtic, meanwhile, have £77 million in the bank and will likely strengthen, while Rangers are expected to improve. Hearts may not get another opportunity to upset the established order.
