Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on July 10 he is not surprised by Lionel Messi’s physical condition at 39 and believes Messi will remain the best player as long as he wants to keep playing [1, 2, 3]. Messi is playing in his record sixth World Cup in 2026 and has scored eight goals in the tournament, matching Kylian Mbappe who played one more game [1, 2, 3].

Messi was crucial in Argentina’s 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16, scoring one goal and assisting Cristian Romero [1, 2, 3]. Despite arriving at the tournament with questions about his fitness after recently recovering from a muscle strain, Scaloni noted Messi's running metrics are consistent throughout matches. “Leo runs more or less the same in every match. Physically, it's true that he has done preparation work with his fitness coach and it has paid off,” Scaloni said, “but in terms of numbers I don't know if he has changed that much” [1].

Scaloni described Messi as "a machine" when the player gives his all and senses he can create danger. "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," he said [3]. He added that Messi will stay at the top as long as he desires. "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" [2].

Messi is now the leading scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals across his career [3]. However, he missed two penalties in the tournament against Egypt and Austria. Scaloni said he would not take penalty responsibilities away from Messi but will let him decide whether to take penalties or not. "It wouldn't even cross my mind to go and tell him not to. Let him do whatever he wants," Scaloni said [3].

Looking ahead, Scaloni praised Argentina's upcoming quarter-final opponent Switzerland, highlighting their World Cup tradition and physical strength. He said, "There are no easy rivals, we all know that. 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" [1]. Switzerland will appear in their first World Cup quarter-final in 72 years [1, 2].