Robot or Lionel Messi? Researchers are developing a machine that could surpass the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to compete in the FIFA World Cup. The innovative creation, called ARTEMIS, has been designed to outperform Messi in football. The acronym stands for “Advanced Robotic Technology for Enhanced Mobility and Improved Stability,” but its nod to Messi has captured global attention.
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Football has continuously evolved, but it could take an unusual turn if robots begin representing nations in the FIFA World Cup. Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, are ambitiously working on crafting a robot specifically for soccer. Aiming to achieve feats even Lionel Messi, widely considered the greatest footballer, has mastered.
The Argentine legend achieved his lifelong goal of winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022, yet these advancements suggest the possibility of robotic athletes redefining the sport’s future. The future of sports may take an extraordinary turn with ARTEMIS, a humanoid robot boasting a remarkable walking speed of 2.1 meters per second.
According to researchers at UCLA, this makes ARTEMIS the fastest walking humanoid robot globally, and it is also one of the few capable of running. Designed in an academic setting, ARTEMIS stands as a groundbreaking advancement in robotics, positioning itself to revolutionize soccer as we know it.
ARTEMIS and Messi: The Future of Football Meets Its Past
ARTEMIS is set to compete in the prestigious RoboCup, an international tournament for autonomous soccer-playing robots. However, the ambition doesn’t end there, as researchers envision ARTEMIS taking the field in the FIFA World Cup by 2050. If realized, this could redefine the dynamics of football entirely, as nations might one day compete with robotic players.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, the football legend ARTEMIS aims to surpass, remains undecided about his participation in the next FIFA World Cup. In an interview with renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Messi expressed uncertainty about representing Argentina in the 2026 tournament. As the sport evolves with technological advancements, Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players continues to inspire, even as robotic innovations like ARTEMIS emerge on the horizon.
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“I don’t know (if I will play in the FIFA World Cup 2026), they ask me a lot, especially in Argentina. I hope to finish this year well, and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn’t have last year due to all the trips we had,” he said.
FIFA 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina’s Push, Brazil and Uruguay’s Battle
Lionel Messi’s Argentina could edge closer to securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 by defeating Peru in Buenos Aires during the South American qualifiers on Tuesday. A win would leave Argentina with 25 points from 12 matches, a tally historically sufficient for at least sixth place in the 10-team standings. With six spots available for South America in the World Cup, the stakes are especially high for the reigning champions.
However, Argentina will have to manage without five injured players following their 2-1 loss to Paraguay last Thursday. Peru, currently second to last in the standings, faces a challenging task against the reigning champions. Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Brazil and Uruguay are set to clash in Salvador. Both teams are eager to conclude the year on a stronger note, with coaches expressing optimism about improving their performance heading into the next phase of the campaign.
Dorival Junior, at Brazil’s helm since January, continues to face scepticism from fans regarding his suitability for the role. A victory against Uruguay could propel Brazil to second place in the standings, giving him a chance to strengthen his case. Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, aims to maintain momentum following their dramatic last-minute 3-2 win over Colombia on Friday.
Criticized recently by Uruguayan legend Luis Suárez, Bielsa will look to secure at least a draw to show that their previous win was no stroke of luck. Both Uruguay and Colombia are three points behind Argentina, with Brazil in fourth and Ecuador trailing by a single point in fifth. Argentina’s defensive lineup has been significantly impacted by injuries.
Argentina’s Defensive Woes, Brazil Seeks Stability in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Lisandro Martínez and Germán Pezzella stayed behind when the team travelled to Paraguay, while Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina, and Nicolás Tagliafico starters in the Paraguay match are also sidelined for the game against Peru. This depleted defence adds to concerns after a lacklustre performance in their 2-1 loss to Paraguay in Asunción, marking their third defeat in the qualifiers.
Veteran Lionel Messi struggled to make an impact in the match, with Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez also failing to impress. Leading observers to question whether Argentina’s spark is beginning to fade.
“I don’t know whether (rival coaches) they found an antidote (to Argentina),” coach Luis Scaloni said. “We hope to go back on a positive patch.”
Lionel Scaloni is expected to adjust Argentina’s defensive lineup with Gonzalo Montiel stepping in for Nahuel Molina. Leonardo Balerdi replaced Cristian Romero, and Facundo Medina took Nicolás Tagliafico’s position. These changes come as Argentina deals with significant defensive absences while aiming to bounce back after their recent loss. FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi’s Comeback Possible after Ankle Injury.
For Brazil, right-back Danilo has been called up to replace Vanderson, who is suspended following the 1-1 draw against Venezuela. Dorival Junior’s decision to bring in the seasoned Danilo reflects growing pressure to stabilize the team and avoid experimenting with too many fresh faces. Brazil’s underwhelming form this year has led to fan disillusionment, with many openly declaring they won’t watch the national team until performances improve.
Brazil Seeks Support, Uruguay Faces Disciplinary Woes in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
This discontent prompted a heartfelt plea from captain Marquinhos, urging fans to maintain their support despite the challenges. The high-stakes match between Brazil and Uruguay adds to the drama, as both sides seek to improve their standings and prove their mettle in the qualifiers. Captain Marquinhos made an emotional plea to Brazil’s fans, urging them not to lose faith in the national team despite recent struggles.
Adding to the team’s woes, their star player, Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior, has yet to perform at his best during this campaign. For Uruguay, Nahitan Nández and Santiago Bueno will miss the clash in Salvador, though coach Marcelo Bielsa has yet to confirm their replacements. Additionally, several key players, including Manuel Ugarte, José María Giménez, Brian Rodríguez.
Darwin Núñez, Nicolás Fonseca, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Rodrigo Aguirre, must tread carefully to avoid picking up a second yellow card. Which would rule them out of the critical match against Argentina in March. These disciplinary concerns add to the tension as Uruguay aims to keep their qualifying campaign on track.
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