Scaloni calls Messi a machine ahead of World Cup QF

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has dismissed any surprise at Lionel Messi's continued brilliance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing his 39-year-old captain as a "machine" ahead of Saturday's quarterfinal against Switzerland in Kansas City. Messi has scored eight goals at the tournament, tying him with France's Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot lead, and has become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 21 career goals.

Scaloni's unwavering confidence comes despite Messi having missed two penalties during the competition, against Austria and in the round of 16 against Egypt. The coach stated he would never consider removing Messi from penalty duties, leaving the decision entirely to the player. "It wouldn't even cross my mind to go and tell him not to take the next penalty," Scaloni said. "Let him do whatever he wants out on the pitch."

Messi's fitness had been a question before the tournament following a muscle strain, but his performances have been central to Argentina's campaign. He was instrumental in a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt on July -, setting up Cristian Romero's 79th-minute header before scoring an 83rd-minute equalizer, with Enzo...