Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi, stating he is not surprised by the forward’s impressive performance at the age of 39 during the ongoing World Cup. This statement came on July 11, 2026, ahead of Argentina's quarterfinal match against Switzerland.
Messi’s Impact in the World Cup
Messi has been pivotal in Argentina’s World Cup journey, scoring 8 goals in just 5 matches, placing him second in the Golden Boot race behind France’s Kylian Mbappe. He also led his team in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Egypt in the round of 16, where he scored and assisted.
With a total of 21 goals in World Cup history, Messi solidified his status as the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Despite concerns over his fitness following a recent muscle strain, Messi has proven his worth with consistent performances.
Scaloni’s Confidence in Messi
Scaloni commented on Messi’s physical condition, saying, “Leo runs more or less the same in every match. Physically, it’s true that he has done preparation work with his fitness coach, and it has paid off.” He emphasized that Messi remains a formidable player, stating, “What is clear is that he’s giving everything he has. When he gives everything he has and senses that he can create danger, he is a machine.”
