Scaloni not surprised by Messi’s World Cup form at 39 – ‘He’s a machine’

Scaloni not surprised by Messi’s World Cup form at 39 – ‘He’s a machine’A muscle strain threatened to derail Messi’s 2026 World Cup campaign but he has been Argentina’s best player at the tournament with eight goals.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said 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 in five matches to sit just behind France’s Kylian Mbappe – who has played a game more – in the Golden Boot race.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Mikel Merino strikes late again to tee up huge last-four clash with Francelist 2 of 4Yamal unconcerned by lack of goals, shares endearing moment with brotherlist 3 of 4Eliminated Morocco turn attention to cohosting 2030 World Cuplist 4 of 4Egypt World Cup team return home to hero’s welcome after historic runend of listThe diminutive forward also inspired a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in ⁠the round of 16, and is now the leading scorer in World Cup history, with 21 goals across his career.Against the North Africans, the Argentinian talisman netted once and provided an assist to Cristian Romero after his side trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining.The Inter Miami forward arrived ‌at his sixth World Cup with questions over his fitness after recently recovering from a muscle strain.“Leo runs more or less the same in every match,” Scaloni told reporters on Friday. “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.Messi’s numbers at the tournament could be even better had he not missed two penalties – against Egypt and Austria – but Scaloni said he would not take spot-kick duties away from his inspirational captain.