Scaloni not surprised by Messi’s World Cup form at 39 – ‘He’s a machine’ | World Cup 2026 news

A muscle strain threatened to derail Messi’s career, but his coach says he is still the best player in the world.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is not surprised by Lionel Messi’s condition at the age of 39, reiterating that he believes the captain will remain the best player in the world as long as he chooses to continue playing.

Messi helped Argentina’s World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals in five games to move behind France’s Kylian Mbappe – who has also played one more game – in the tournament. Golden Shoes color.

The narrow front also boosted interest 3-2 back to Egypt in the 16th tournament, and is now the top scorer in World Cup history, with 21 career goals.

Against the North Africans, the Argentine talisman struck once and provided an assist for Cristian Romero after his side were 2-0 down with 11 minutes left.

The Inter Miami star arrived at his sixth World Cup with questions about his fitness after his recent recovery muscle tension.

“Leo runs the same in every game,” Scaloni told reporters on Friday. “Physically, it is true that he has done preparations with his fitness coach, and it has paid off, but in terms of numbers, I don’t know if he has changed much.”

“What is clear is that he is giving everything he has. When he gives everything he has and realizes that he can cause danger, he is a machine,” the coach added.

Messi’s figures at the tournament could have been better had he not missed two penalties – against Egypt and Austria – but Scaloni said he would not take the captaincy away from him.

“It wouldn’t have crossed my mind to go and tell him not to take (the next penalty). Let him do whatever he wants,” Scaloni said. “We have players who can take it, but they will take it if they want to, and if not, it’s up to them. Let them do whatever they want off the pitch.”

Scaloni said those who have been waiting years to meet Messi do not know the player well.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” he said.

“Maybe people who don’t know him expected that at 39 he wouldn’t be at this level, but I don’t know how many times I’ve said: as long as he wants to do it, he’ll be the best. I think that, not because I’m his coach.”

Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City. Scaloni praised their opponents, who reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years later get rid of Colombia on penalties following a goalless practice session.

“There are no easy competitors, we all know,” Scaloni said.

“They are a very good team. They compete against the best teams in the world and they always win. They can win or lose, but they always compete. They have World Cup traditions, experienced and strong players.”

If Argentina had beaten Switzerland, it would have met England or Norway in the semifinals.