Scaloni: «As long as he has the will, Messi will continue to be the best»
According to Championat.
Context
Lionel Messi, as Argentina's captain, plays a fundamental role in the team's dynamics. Your experience and skill are essential not only for your individual performance, but also for group cohesion, especially in high-level competitions like the 2026 World Cup.
Why this matters
Scaloni's statement about Messi highlights the captain's importance to Argentina, especially as the team advances to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Messi's influence, even at the age of 39, is crucial to the performance of the team as it seeks to defend its title as world champion. His ability to be decisive at key moments will be vital to Argentina's success in this knockout stage.
Main conclusions
- Scaloni: «As long as he has the will, Messi will continue to be the best».
- Lionel Scaloni reiterated that Lionel Messi will continue to be the best as long as he maintains the desire to play.
- Лионель Месси remains central to Argentina's plans.
Lionel Scaloni once again praised Lionel Messi and the captain's influence in Argentina. In statements cited by The Touchline on social media, the Albiceleste coach highlighted that, despite his age, the number 10 maintains a unique level and will continue to do so as long as his ambition speaks louder.
“At 39 years old, some may think that Leo is no longer at the same level, but as long as he wants to play, he will continue to be the best”, stated Scaloni, reinforcing that the conviction does not come from the role he plays on the bench, but from what he sees daily in training and in competition. The coach also recalled the superlative version of Messi at Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, when the Argentine was 23-24 years old, and admitted that seeing that form again today would be “something indescribable”.
The selector's words come on the eve of a high-risk game at the 2026 World Cup: in the early hours of July 11th to 12th, Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the competition. Defending world champions, the Albiceleste reach the knockout phase with candidate status and a consolidated game idea, where Messi continues to be the guiding light — now more associative, lowering lines to connect the game, but decisive in the last pass and dead ball, in addition to the ability to appear in the area at key moments.
On the other side will be a traditionally well-organized Switzerland, competitive in duels and dangerous in transitions, a test that will require total focus from the South American team. In a larger World Cup, with 48 teams and a longer qualifying route, every detail gains added weight and the experience of leaders like Messi is a decisive asset in managing rhythms, moments of pressure and dead balls.
Scaloni also stressed that nothing the captain does surprises him, highlighting Messi's exceptionality: “As long as he has the desire to continue, he will be the best.” The coach himself recognizes that there will come a day when the striker will no longer have that desire, but until then, he has complete confidence in the number 10's impact.
Ahead of the quarter-finals, the selector's message is clear: Argentina trusts its captain to guide the team in the decisive moments of the 2026 World Cup. And, with Messi on the field and motivated, the Albiceleste feels that it always has an advantage in the checkmate of the qualifiers.
What happens next
With Argentina facing Switzerland, the game promises to be a rigorous test for the Albiceleste team. The way Messi adapts to the demands of the game and his ability to create opportunities will be decisive for the result. Expectations are high as Argentina are considered one of the favorites for the 2026 World Cup, and a solid performance in this game could further solidify that position.
Frequently asked questions
What is the date of the match between Argentina and Switzerland?
The game between Argentina and Switzerland is scheduled for the early hours of July 11th to 12th.
How important is the game for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup?
This game is crucial, as Argentina is in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup and is considered one of the candidates for the title.
What did Lionel Scaloni say about Lionel Messi?
Lionel Scaloni praised Messi, saying that as long as he has the desire to play, he will continue to be the best, regardless of his age.
How would Argentina's victory impact the 2026 World Cup table?
A victory for Argentina would guarantee their passage to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup,
advancing in the competition.
What is Argentina's style of play under Scaloni's leadership?
Under Scaloni's leadership, Argentina has a consolidated playing style, where Messi plays a central role, linking the game and being decisive in key moments.