'A Machine': Scaloni Not Surprised by Messi's Form at 39
Scaloni said Messi’s preparation has paid off as the captain leads Argentina with eight goals and a record sixth World Cup appearance.
- On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Argentina faces Switzerland in a World Cup quarter-final at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, seeking to extend an 11-game unbeaten streak.
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed concerns about Lionel Messi's age at 39, stating the Inter Miami forward remains the best player in world football for as long as he chooses to play.
- The 39-year-old talisman has scored eight goals in five matches, tying France's Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race while playing in his record sixth World Cup tournament.
- Switzerland reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years, with Scaloni praising the opponents led by captain Granit Xhaka for their World Cup tradition and physical strength.
- The victor advances to face either England or Norway in the semi-finals, with Scaloni saying he wants this team remembered as one that "never gave up" throughout the tournament.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Lionel Messi has turned this year's World Cup into a... personal affair, consistently recording firsts in statistical categories
'A machine': Scaloni not surprised by Messi's form at 39
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Friday he is not surprised by Lionel Messi's physical condition at 39, reiterating that he believes the captain will remain the best player in the world for as long as he chooses to keep playing.
Scaloni not surprised by Messi’s World Cup form at 39 – ‘He’s a machine’
A muscle strain threatened to derail Messi’s tournament, but his coach says he’s still world’s best player. Published On 11 Jul 202611 Jul 2026Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is not surprised by Lionel Messi’s physical condition at 39, reiterating that he believes the captain will remain the best player in the world for as long as he chooses to keep playing.Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup campaign, scoring eight go…
Radio France Internationale
Scaloni wants 'never-say-die' legacy for Argentina
Lionel Scaloni said he wants his Argentina team to be remembered as a side that "never gave up" as he prepares them to face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
Scaloni lauds Messi's fitness at 39 as Argentina World Cup star shines
Scaloni says Messi's fitness at 39 doesn't surprise him as the Argentina captain keeps starring at the World Cup with eight goals and a key comeback win, ahead of the quarter-final vs Switzerland
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