Scaloni confirms Messi remains world's best player despite age concerns.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed no surprise at Lionel Messi's sustained physical performance at age 39 during the World Cup, reaffirming his belief that the club captain remains the premier player on earth as long as he chooses to compete. Although a recent muscle strain raised concerns about potentially ending his tournament run, Scaloni maintains that Messi will continue to dominate for himself and the national team.

The diminutive forward has been central to Argentina's campaign, tallying eight goals in five appearances to place second in the Golden Boot standings behind France's Kylian Mbappe. This achievement brings Messi's career World Cup total to 21 goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in tournament history. His influence was particularly evident in a tense round-of-16 victory over Egypt, where he scored and assisted Cristian Romero to secure a dramatic 3-2 comeback after his side fell behind twice late in the match.

Despite questions regarding his fitness following his recovery from the strain, Scaloni offered a candid assessment of Messi's conditioning on Friday. "Leo runs more or less the same in every match," the coach stated, noting that while specific preparation work with his fitness trainer has been beneficial, the numerical data does not suggest a significant change in his physical output. He emphasized that what truly matters is Messi's total commitment: "When he gives everything he has and senses that he can create danger, he is a machine."

Scaloni also addressed the criticism surrounding missed penalties against Egypt and Austria, asserting that he would never instruct his captain to pass on spot-kick duties. "It wouldn't even cross my mind to go and tell him not to [take the next penalty]," Scaloni said. He added that while other players possess the ability to take such kicks, the decision ultimately belongs to Messi, stating simply, "Let him do whatever he wants out on the pitch."

The coach dismissed expectations that age would inevitably diminish Messi's capabilities, suggesting that those anticipating a decline lack sufficient knowledge of the player's character. "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," Scaloni remarked, insisting his conviction is not merely a result of their coaching relationship.

Argentina prepares for their quarterfinal clash against Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City. The Swiss side reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years after defeating Colombia on penalties following a scoreless draw. Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Scaloni described the matchup as having "no easy rivals," praising Switzerland's World Cup tradition, experienced roster, and physical strength. Should Argentina advance past this hurdle, they would await either England or Norway in the semifinals.