Tuchel Reveals 15-Minute Bike-and-Ice-Cream Ritual Before England's World Cup Semifinal

Q: After ending England's World Cup dream, has Messi cemented his status as the undisputed greatest player of all time?

Messi’s display against England strengthens an already overwhelming case, but “undisputed” still goes further than the evidence can prove in a debate that remains inherently subjective. What is no longer seriously in doubt is the scale of his claim. At 39, Messi drove Argentina’s 2-1 semifinal win with assists for Enzo Fernández’s equalizer and Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner, sending the defending champions into another World Cup final. In this 2026 tournament alone, he has eight goals and two assists, and he has become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals. That performance adds to a résumé that was already historic: World Cup winner in 2022, Copa América champion in 2021 and 2024, a record eight Ballons d’Or, and recognition as the most decorated player in football history. He has now delivered decisive moments across eras, competitions and continents, from Barcelona to Argentina to Inter Miami. For many observers, the 2022 World Cup had already settled the argument in Messi’s favor. What this England match did was reinforce it at an age when most greats are long gone from the top level. Producing two semifinal-defining assists in his sixth World Cup is powerful new evidence of longevity as well as peak brilliance. So, yes, Messi has further cemented his status as the leading GOAT candidate. But whether he is the undisputed greatest of all time remains a matter of judgment, especially given enduring comparisons with Diego Maradona and Pelé.

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jul 15

Thomas Tuchel said he eases World Cup pressure with a 15-minute bike ride in a parking lot, eating ice cream to “feel like you’re 15 years old” again.
The England coach disclosed the ritual before Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta against defending champion Argentina and Lionel Messi, with England one win from only its second World Cup final.
Tuchel said the tournament has been draining because of travel to Mexico, altitude and comeback wins over Congo and Norway, though he added the run has also energized him.
Hired in 2024 to end England’s trophy drought since 1966, Tuchel said he feels tension and expects nerves but does not feel burdened by the 60-year wait.