At any point in the historical timeline of football, the concept of the king of sports with its round ball remains dominant due to its enduring appeal and the generational inheritance from players, despite the ever-evolving world driving awareness and development. This evolution marks each step of football’s journey into new eras, especially supported by technological advancements. For instance, advancements like VAR brought comfort to fans during World Cup 2022, where automatic offside calls enhanced moments on the field, even as team tactics and player skills continue to refine from organization to scoring goals.

Yet, football seems stuck in a repetitive cycle amid increasing tournaments and field developments, causing occasional boredom. Long-held titles like “the next Neymar, Ronaldo, or Messi” fade into obscurity without clear reasons, a concern that Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni grappled with. He hoped for more than just reproducing Messi’s success in modern times but acknowledged the sport’s cyclical nature. Players, whether famous or average, focus solely on their roles, often missing innovative breakthroughs. The game often revolves around passing from goalkeepers through lines, adjusting tactics, organizing teams, and scoring, leading to common routines and occasional boredom despite global tournaments.

Coaching philosophies seem standardized, from grassroots to professional levels, stressing early ball handling and tactics. Scaloni lamented losing football’s essence, even among children in Argentina. He pointed out that any attempt to dribble was reprimanded, reinforcing the mechanical passing of the ball. Such structured training has hindered creativity and the spontaneity once seen in Messi. This observation echoes the belief that football’s beauty wanes with each generation, limiting freedom on the field and overshadowing individual brilliance. The rise of defensive strategies and controlled play restricts skillful players from standing out as before, replaced by those who adhere to speed and efficiency, epitomized by Vinicius Jr., Antony, or Mbappe. These players execute roles, missing the flair of past stars and following structured team plans, reducing expectations of extraordinary feats.

The sport’s evolving technical prowess dictates the future without second Messi’s due to scientifically driven training. Young talents idolize but lack the courage to lead as Messi once did, influencing entire teams. His career journey from winger to playmaker continues to inspire, underscoring the limits of football as a tactical tool managed for efficient goal-scoring. The next superstar appears set in this framework rather than pioneering, eroding the romantic charm once embodied by football legends like Messi. Thus, football’s essence is lost, leaving fans to witness a mechanized version devoid of limitless inspiration, perpetuating the sport’s industrialization as fame-seeking athletes, and managers prioritize gains over natural beauty and creativity.