Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he is running out of words to describe Lionel Messi after the captain set another World Cup record on Sunday.
Messi came off the bench to score in Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan. His late free kick made him the first player to score in seven straight World Cup matches.
Scaloni said Messi could have played the full match but chose to give his team mates a chance before the knockout stage.
“It’s a little bit of an uncomfortable situation when people ask me that and I don’t know what to say,” Scaloni said.
“Today he could’ve played 90 minutes and, without undermining our opponent, he wanted his team mates to have time on the pitch and to save himself for what’s coming up.
“He doesn’t think so much about the numbers that people are talking about. The only word that comes to mind is that I’m surprised.”
Argentina took control of the match before Messi came on. Giovani Lo Celso scored from a free kick and Lautaro Martinez added a penalty before Jordan pulled one back. Messi then wrapped up the victory with his stunning strike.
Scaloni made nine changes to his starting team. He was pleased with the players who got their first chance at the tournament.
“It’s a very positive opinion that I have, especially as I was able to include all the players, this was a goal we always set for ourselves,” he said.
“I believe all of them deserve to enjoy coming to a World Cup and playing at a World Cup and we were able to give them minutes. I think they played quite well in a difficult match.
“They showed me today that I can count on them.”
Argentina will now face Cape Verde in the round of 32. Scaloni expects a difficult challenge despite their opponents making their World Cup debut.
“Based on what I’ve seen, I’m not surprised,” he said of their progress to the knockout rounds. “They’re a good team, they have made it very difficult for the three opponents they have played.
“Spain couldn’t beat them, Uruguay couldn’t either. They’re a fast team, they play well with a high calibre of play. I can guarantee you they’re a team that’s going to make it difficult for us.”
