Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni believes Lionel Messi will remain the world’s best player for as long as he chooses to continue playing after the captain inspired his side into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
Messi has scored eight goals at the tournament, level with France’s Kylian Mbappe, and starred in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16. The 39-year-old scored once and set up Cristian Romero after Argentina recovered from a 2-0 deficit with 11 minutes remaining.
Scaloni dismissed suggestions that age has reduced Messi’s influence, despite the forward arriving at the tournament after recovering from a muscle strain.
“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, but in terms of numbers I don’t know if he has changed that much.”
“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.”
Scaloni said he never doubted Messi’s ability to perform at the highest level.
“It doesn’t surprise me.”
“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 it: as long as he wants to, he will be the best. I think that, and not because I’m his coach.”
Argentina now face Switzerland in Saturday’s quarter-final in Kansas City. Scaloni warned that his team expected another difficult challenge after Switzerland reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years.
“There are no easy rivals, we all know that.”
“They are a very good team. They compete with the best national teams and always come through. They may win or lose, but they always compete. They have World Cup tradition, experienced players and are physically strong.”
