KANSAS CITY, Missouri : Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Friday he was not surprised by Lionel Messi’s outstanding form at the age of 39, insisting the captain would remain the world’s best player for as long as he chose to continue playing.
Messi has spearheaded Argentina’s World Cup campaign with eight goals, drawing level with France’s Kylian Mbappe in the tournament’s scoring charts, and inspired a remarkable 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16.
Playing in a record sixth World Cup, Messi scored once and set up Cristian Romero after Argentina recovered from a two-goal deficit with 11 minutes remaining.
The Inter Miami forward, who celebrated his 39th birthday last month, entered the tournament after recovering from a muscle strain, prompting questions over his fitness.
“Leo runs more or less the same in every match,” Scaloni told reporters.
“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 dismissed suggestions that Messi’s age would inevitably affect his performances.
“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 it: as long as he wants to, he will be the best. I think that, and not because I’m his coach.”
Argentina take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City after the Swiss reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years by beating Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.
Scaloni warned against underestimating Switzerland.
“There are no easy rivals, we all know that,” he said.
“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.”
