Scaloni not surprised by Messi’s World Cup form at 39 - ‘He’s a machine’
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Lionel Messi's physical condition and performance at the 2026 World Cup at age 39. Despite a muscle strain, Messi remains a key player for Argentina as they progress through the tournament.
Why it matters
Messi's continued high-level performance at an advanced age for a professional athlete is a major sports news story with global interest.
A muscle strain threatened to derail Messi’s tournament, but his coach says he’s still world’s best player.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Lionel Messi of Argentina attends a training session one day ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal match against Switzerland [Kyle Rivas/Getty Images/AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and Reuters Published On 11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026 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.
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