Football has undergone significant changes over the years, but the game could take a bizarre turn if robots begin representing nations in the World Cup. Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), are working to make this a reality. They are developing a sporty robot they claim could surpass Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner fulfilled his lifelong dream of winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022, but researchers are now aiming to replace human stars like Messi with robotic players.
The researchers have unveiled a robot named ARTEMIS, which stands for “Advanced Robotic Technology for Enhanced Mobility and Improved Stability.” ARTEMIS has been touted as “a robot that exceeds Messi in soccer,” drawing attention to its Messi-inspired connection. According to the UCLA website, ARTEMIS can achieve a remarkable walking speed of 2.1 meters per second, posing a potential game-changing threat on the football field.
Must Read: Lionel Messi Honors ‘Phenomenon’ Andres Iniesta Upon Retirement: “The Ball Will Miss You…”
“During tests in the lab, ARTEMIS has been clocked walking 2.1 meters per second, which would make it the world’s fastest walking humanoid robot, according to the UCLA researchers. It is also believed to be the first humanoid robot designed in an academic setting that is capable of running, and only the third overall,” the researchers stated. ARTEMIS is set to participate in the RoboCup, an international competition for autonomous robot soccer. However, the ultimate goal is far more ambitious—to have ARTEMIS play in the FIFA World Cup by 2050.
Meanwhile, Messi addressed his future with the Argentine national team during an interview with renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano. When asked about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi responded:
“I don’t know (if I will play in the 2026 World Cup), 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.