'A machine': Scaloni not surprised by Messi's form at 39

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Friday he is not surprised by Lionel Messi's physical condition at 39, reiterating that he believes the captain will remain the best player in the world for as ‌long as he chooses to keep playing.

Messi has been instrumental in Argentina's World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals — level with France's Kylian Mbappe — and inspiring a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the round of 16.

Against the North Africans, the Argentine talisman — playing in a record sixth World Cup — netted once and provided an assist to Cristian Romero after ⁠his side trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining.

The Inter Miami forward, who turned 39 last month, arrived in the tournament with questions over his fitness after recently recovering from a muscle strain.

"Leo runs more or less the same in every match," Scaloni said. "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," the coach added.

Scaloni said those expecting age to catch up with Messi did not know the player well enough.

"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 face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City. Scaloni praised their ⁠opponents, who reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years after eliminating Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.

"There are no easy rivals, we all know that," Scaloni ⁠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."

Comments

Igali backs Team Nigeria for Glasgow success

...Commends NSC's athlete welfare initiative By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye Former World and Olympic wrestling champion Daniel Igali has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria's chances of delivering an impressive performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, while applauding the National Sports Commission (NSC) for prioritising athlete welfare ahead of the competition. He made this public in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG'S Oluwatobilobba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. The 52-year-old, who currently serves as Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, said the signs emerging from Team Nigeria's camp point to a delegation that is well-positioned to compete for honours, largely because of the improved attention being given to athletes' welfare and preparations. "From all the information available, I believe there are genuine reasons to be optimistic about Team Nigeria's prospects at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,...

IOC Receives Complaint Over Infantino’s Alleged Political Neutrality Breach in Trump-Balogun Case

The International Olympic Committee has received a formal complaint alleging that FIFA president Gianni Infantino repeatedly breached rules on political neutrality through his public support for U.S. President Donald Trump. The complaint, filed by FairSquare, claims Infantino may have crossed ethical lines in several incidents, including the controversial suspension of striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban. Balogun had been sent off in a July 1 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic suspension that would normally keep him out of the next game. But FIFA later announced that the suspension had been paused under a rule-book provision, allowing the forward to feature for the United States against Belgium on July 6. Infantino admitted receiving a call from Trump, who publicly pushed for Balogun to play, though the FIFA chief insisted he did not interfere in the decision-making process. FairSquare argues that the Balogun episode was only one of five alleged breaches ...

Mbappe Slams France After Spain Defeat: “We Were Too Sloppy”

Kylian Mbappe did not hide his frustration after France’s World Cup semifinal loss to Spain, delivering a blunt post-match verdict on his team’s 2-0 exit in Arlington, Texas. The France captain said Les Bleus were simply not sharp enough in key moments, pointing to a poor tactical structure and weak communication that allowed Spain to control the match and dominate possession. Spain repeatedly found an extra man in midfield, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz given the time and space to dictate the rhythm of the game. “We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that’s hard,” Mbappe admitted. “Fabian and Rodri had plenty of time to play. There was a lack of communication on the press. I think we should have done man-to-man press and force them to run with us.” France had entered the semifinal in excellent form, winning all of their first six matches and scoring 16 goals, but they struggled to create real danger against a well-organized Spain side. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penal...

Nigeria outclass hosts Côte d'Ivoire to maintain perfect start at 2026 AFCON Zone 3 Volleyball Qualifiers

By Maxwell Kumoye Nigeria's men's volleyball team continued its impressive campaign at the 2026 African Nations Cup Zone 3 Qualifiers with a commanding 3-0 victory over hosts Côte d'Ivoire on Wednesday, securing their second consecutive win of the tournament. The Nigerians produced a disciplined and dominant performance to silence the home crowd, claiming the match in straight sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-19. The victory keeps Nigeria's unbeaten run intact and further strengthens the team's quest for qualification. Head coach Taiwo Oladipupo praised his players for their composure and determination against the host nation, describing the result as a significant achievement. "I'm very, very happy. Beating the host nation is never an easy task, especially in front of their home fans. But we showed that we are capable of doing it, and we proved it on the court with a convincing victory," Oladipupo said. The coach also attributed the team's impressive s...

Argentina’s Dark Blue Jersey: More Than a Kit, It’s a World Cup Charm

Argentina’s dark blue jersey has grown into something bigger than an alternate strip. For many fans, it is part of the nation’s football folklore — a shirt linked with some of Argentina’s most unforgettable World Cup moments, and perhaps, just a little bit of good luck. That famous away kit will be back in the spotlight when the defending champions face England in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. Lionel Messi and his teammates will trade their traditional sky blue and white stripes for the dark blue shirt that has carried so much meaning over the years. The memories are powerful. Argentina wore dark blue against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico, when Diego Maradona produced both the infamous “Hand of God” goal and his dazzling solo run later remembered as the “Goal of the Century” in a 2-1 victory. Then, 12 years later, the same color returned in France, where Argentina again eliminated England on penalties in the round of 16 after a thrilling 2-2 draw...

Z-PRO MEDIA

Search This Blog