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Goal machines: The brain link to Messi, Mbappe and Haaland success

Lionel Messi

Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Photo credit: Pool

By  The Conversation

Part of soccer’s beauty lies in its unpredictability.

Already in World Cup 2026, we have seen Morocco tie with five-time champion Brazil and Australia overturn the odds by beating Turkey. But few surprises will top a Cabo Verde team ranked 67th at the start of the tournament holding Spain – many pundits’ pick for the title – to a 0-0 draw.

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