Three things we’ve learned from the World Cup… so far
Reflections on the World Cup: Lessons from the Tournament So Far
Three things we ve learned – This piece originally surfaced in The Beautiful Game, CNN Sports’ daily World Cup newsletter. Readers interested in following along can subscribe by clicking the provided link. The final Friday of any World Cup carries a peculiar atmosphere. It feels somewhat disconnected from the usual excitement, as if floating between the intense matches and the drama that defines the competition. Yet this pause serves a purpose—it is the quiet moment before the tournament’s climax arrives.
Both Argentina and Spain are currently refining their strategies behind closed doors. Meanwhile, supporters worldwide are arranging their viewing plans for Sunday’s championship match. One Spanish editor noted with regret that she will be watching from her computer rather than enjoying the game at a local pub. The additional waiting period, though tedious, offers an opportunity to consider what the past several weeks have revealed about this tournament across North America.
Never Underestimate Any Competitor
Before kickoff this summer, expectations were already high for a record-breaking edition. The tournament expanded to include forty-eight nations, with an extended group stage allowing four countries to make their World Cup debuts. Perhaps the most significant takeaway has been the reminder that no opponent should be dismissed lightly.
From the opening week, smaller nations proved they were not content merely to fill spots on the bracket. Several surprising results emerged during both group play and knockout rounds. Cape Verde stood out above all others. This diminutive island country delivered energy, heart, and genuine skill throughout the competition, advancing to the knockout phase before ultimately losing to Argentina in extra time.
Remarkably, neither eventual finalist managed to defeat the Blue Sharks within ninety minutes of regulation. Cape Verde also secured a goalless draw against Spain in their opening group encounter, much to the frustration of our Spanish correspondent. While these underdogs exceeded expectations, the tournament also confirmed that individual brilliance still matters enormously.
Messi Remains Unmatched
Speaking personally, I had not anticipated Lionel Messi maintaining such profound influence on the soccer field. Having watched him transition to Major League Soccer in the United States, I believed he was essentially living on vacation—neither fully retired nor competing at the elite level. My assumptions proved entirely incorrect.
Messi has adapted his playing style, yet he remains capable of deciding matches at the highest level. Argentina’s presence in the final owes everything to his contributions. At thirty-nine years old, he currently leads the tournament’s scoring charts, a remarkable achievement. However, his ability to create opportunities for teammates proves even more impressive than his goal tally.
Even without his former speed, Messi utilizes his exceptional passing range to dismantle defenses and generate scoring chances repeatedly. Only two athletes in the past six decades have recorded the highest number of shots and created the most opportunities at a single World Cup. Those players are Diego Maradona during the 1986 tournament and Lionel Messi in the current edition. Already considered a legend, an additional championship would elevate him to unprecedented heights.
A Bright Future for Soccer in America
The final lesson concerns the growing popularity of football within the United States. For many years, discussions focused on efforts to boost the sport’s profile domestically, with investments in MLS expected to transform American soccer. Figures like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović arrived and departed, drawing attention but failing to spark genuine grassroots enthusiasm.
While it remains premature to forecast the tournament’s lasting impact, the atmosphere feels distinctly different. With the entire nation now witnessing the competition firsthand, experiencing the electric crowds, and connecting with international supporters, something has shifted. Statistical evidence supports this sentiment as well.
The United States’ concluding match against Belgium attracted the largest soccer audience in American television history, as viewers developed a deep affection for the national team. Challenges remain in nurturing these new fans at the community level, but it will be intriguing to observe how many return for the next World Cup four years from now. Hopefully, the majority will.
Returning to the upcoming final, we will witness a fascinating confrontation between two extraordinary talents: Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. Both players emerged from Barcelona’s youth system, both operate primarily on the right flank, and both possess extraordinary natural ability. While Yamal still has considerable development ahead before matching Messi’s accomplishments, these two superstars will face each other on the pitch for the first time this Sunday.
This is not their initial meeting, however. Their paths crossed previously, back in
