​KANSAS CITY, MO — Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is savoring what he’s seeing from Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup, and as they prepare for a quarterfinal showdown with Switzerland, he indicated he expects even more from his superstar during this tournament. Messi, who is nearing the end of his illustrious career, currently leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals after five matches. Scaloni, who has guided Argentina since 2018, steering them to two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup crown in part thanks to Messi’s brilliance, wasn’t surprised by the maestro’s form.
“It doesn’t surprise me. Logically, perhaps people who don’t know him were expecting that at 39 he wouldn’t be up to it, but while he wants to, he’ll be the best,” Scaloni told a news conference. “He’ll be 50 at some point and not the best any more, but … I think he’ll be the best until he doesn’t want to be anymore. The moment will come when his career ends. That’s when he’ll stop being the best.”
Scaloni also said the data he and his coaching staff have gathered indicates Messi isn’t running less than in past campaigns, and the team has benefited from the work he does with his trainer and staff. “The games are similar,” the manager noted when comparing Messi’s performances on the run to the 2022 title run with other major moments. He added that Messi has earned the right to decide whether he will take a penalty, though the forward has had his share of misses. Messi failed to convert against Austria in the group stage, but he did score twice in open play, and his first-half attempt against Egypt was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir.
Argentina now faces a Switzerland side that has sparked surprise by reaching the quarterfinals despite not being widely forecasted to advance this far. Scaloni stressed that his team will face a formidable challenge, underscoring that there are no easy opponents at this stage.
“There’s no opponent that’s the same. There’s no easy opponent. We all know that,” Scaloni said. “For me, it’s a very good team. It’s a team that competes with the best national teams. It always goes forward. Although maybe it can win or lose, it has World Cup tradition, experienced players, and physically they’re strong. It’s going to be a tough opponent, and we respect them as we respect all teams.” He noted that Switzerland defeated Colombia to reach the last eight, a result that underscored the surprise element of their run, and reflected on the broader challenge the Swiss pose.
After a controversial refereeing decision in Argentina’s comeback win over Egypt, Scaloni and his players acknowledged hearing a lot of opinion, but they stayed focused on their game plan and on avoiding the pitfalls that had plagued them earlier in the tournament. They emphasized their intent to stay disciplined, avoid falling two goals behind again, and keep their own rhythm going as they push toward the World Cup semifinals.