Scaloni backs Messi to keep driving Argentina at 39
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi’s World Cup form at age 39 has not surprised him as the holders prepare to face Switzerland.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi’s condition and production at age 39 have not caught him off guard as the defending champions prepare for a World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland. Scaloni told reporters that Messi can remain the world’s top player for as long as he decides to continue playing, according to Al Jazeera, AFP and Reuters.
Messi has been central to Argentina’s run, with eight goals in five matches at the tournament, Al Jazeera, AFP and Reuters reported. That total leaves him just behind France forward Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race, with Mbappe having played one more match.
Scaloni said Messi’s match output has looked broadly consistent, while acknowledging the forward had done specific conditioning work with his fitness coach. He said Messi is giving all he has and, when he feels he can hurt an opponent, becomes “a machine.”
Messi’s scoring run
Messi arrived at his sixth World Cup after recovering from a muscle strain, according to Al Jazeera, AFP and Reuters. Despite questions about his fitness before the tournament, he has become the leading scorer in World Cup history with 21 career goals.
Argentina’s round-of-16 win over Egypt added to that record. Al Jazeera, AFP and Reuters reported that Argentina trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes left before rallying for a 3-2 victory, with Messi scoring once and setting up Cristian Romero.
His tournament numbers could have been higher. Messi missed penalties against Egypt and Austria, but Scaloni said he would not remove him from spot-kick duty.
Scaloni told reporters the decision would remain with Messi, saying Argentina have other penalty takers but that the captain can take the next one if he wants. The coach said Messi should be free to make those choices on the field.
Switzerland test awaits
Argentina face Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City, Al Jazeera, AFP and Reuters reported. Switzerland reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years after beating Colombia on penalties following a 0-0 draw.
Scaloni warned against underrating Switzerland. He told reporters they are strong physically, have experienced players, carry World Cup history and have shown they can compete with leading national teams.
The coach also said age-related doubts about Messi came from people who do not know him well. Scaloni said Messi’s level does not surprise him and repeated his view that Messi will be the best for as long as he wants to be.
If Argentina defeat Switzerland, they will play England or Norway in the semifinals, according to Al Jazeera, AFP and Reuters.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.