There are footballers who change matches. Then there is Lionel Messi. At 39, when most players have either retired or accepted diminished roles, Messi continues to produce moments that leave teammates, opponents and supporters searching for new words to describe him.

Argentina’s latest World Cup outing provided another reminder. Introduced from the bench against Jordan, Messi needed only one moment to leave his mark. With Argentina already in control, the Inter Miami captain stepped up over a free kick and curled home in trademark fashion, helping the defending champions secure a 3-1 victory and continue their march through the tournament.

For Giuliano Simeone, watching it unfold has become familiar. Yet familiarity has done nothing to dull the sense of amazement.

The Argentina international, who plays his club football for Atletico Madrid, believes every performance only strengthens Messi’s claim as the greatest footballer the game has ever seen.

“There’s not much left to say about him,” Simeone told FIFA after the match.

“He really is the best in the world, the best of all time, and he keeps proving it.”

The praise was not based solely on another spectacular goal.

Simeone revealed that Messi’s greatness extends far beyond what supporters witness during matches. Training alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has given him a close-up view of the discipline and professionalism that continue to define one of football’s most decorated careers.

“It’s incredible,” Simeone continued.

“I see it day to day, how he trains, how he takes care of himself. Everything he does is impressive, and he has a special kind of magic.”

That combination of relentless preparation and extraordinary talent has been the foundation of Messi’s longevity.

Even as he approaches his 40th birthday, he remains capable of changing games with a single touch, whether he starts the match or comes off the bench. Against Jordan, it was another perfectly executed free kick that added to his growing list of memorable World Cup moments and helped Argentina book their place in the knockout rounds.

The victory sets up another challenge for Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Argentina will now face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Friday as they continue their defence of the World Cup title.

For Messi, it represents another opportunity to add to a career that has already rewritten football history.

For Simeone, however, the debate is already over.

Watching Messi every day has convinced him that football may never see another player quite like him. Another goal, another match-winning contribution and another World Cup performance have only reinforced that belief.

At this stage of Messi’s career, every appearance feels like another chapter in a story that continues to defy expectations. And according to one of the teammates privileged enough to witness it from close range, the Argentine captain is still proving exactly why he deserves to be regarded as the greatest player of all time.