A muscle pressure threatened to derail Messi’s match, however his coach says he’s nonetheless world’s finest participant.
Printed On 11 Jul 2026
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stated he isn’t shocked by Lionel Messi’s bodily situation at 39, reiterating that he believes the captain will stay one of the best participant on the earth for so long as he chooses to preserve taking part in.
Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup marketing campaign, scoring eight objectives in 5 matches to take a seat simply behind France’s Kylian Mbappe – who has performed a recreation extra – within the Golden Boot race.
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The diminutive ahead additionally impressed a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the spherical of 16, and is now the main scorer in World Cup historical past, with 21 objectives throughout his profession.
Towards the North Africans, the Argentinian talisman netted as soon as and supplied an help to Cristian Romero after his aspect trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining.
The Inter Miami ahead arrived at his sixth World Cup with questions over his health after not too long ago recovering from a muscle pressure.
“Leo runs roughly the identical in each match,” Scaloni instructed reporters on Friday. “Bodily, it’s true that he has executed preparation work along with his health coach, and it has paid off, however by way of numbers, I don’t know if he has modified that a lot.”
“What is obvious is that he’s giving every part he has. When he offers every part he has and senses that he can create hazard, he’s a machine,” the coach added.
Messi’s numbers on the match could possibly be even higher had he not missed two penalties – towards Egypt and Austria – however Scaloni stated he wouldn’t take spot-kick duties away from his inspirational captain.
“It wouldn’t even cross my thoughts to go and inform him to not [take the next penalty]. Let him do no matter he needs,” Scaloni stated. “We’ve gamers who can take them, however he’ll take it if he needs to, and if not, that’s as much as him. Let him do no matter he needs out on the pitch.”
Scaloni stated these anticipating age to meet up with Messi didn’t know the participant nicely sufficient.
“It doesn’t shock me,” he stated.
“Perhaps individuals who don’t know him anticipated that at 39 he wouldn’t be at this degree, however I don’t know what number of occasions I’ve stated it: as lengthy as he needs to, he would be the finest. I believe that, and never as a result of I’m his coach.”
Argentina face Switzerland within the quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas Metropolis. Scaloni praised their opponents, who reached the final eight for the primary time in 72 years after eliminating Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.
“There are not any simple rivals, everyone knows that,” Scaloni stated.
“They’re an excellent crew. They compete with the finest nationwide groups and at all times come by way of. They could win or lose, however they at all times compete. They’ve World Cup custom, skilled gamers and are bodily sturdy.”
If Argentina beat Switzerland, they might face England or Norway within the semifinals.
