Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stated he is unsurprised by captain Lionel Messi’s exceptional physical condition at age 39. Speaking ahead of their match Scaloni reiterated his belief that Messi will remain the world's best player for as long as he continues his career.
Messi has been vital to Argentina's current World Cup run, scoring eight goals so far. He recently inspired a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Egypt in the round of 16, scoring once and assisting another after the team trailed 2-0 with just 11 minutes remaining.
Despite entering the tournament following a recent muscle strain, the veteran forward has silenced fitness doubts. "Physically, his preparation work with his fitness coach has paid off," Scaloni said, describing Messi as a "machine" when creating danger on the pitch.
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City. Scaloni praised the Swiss squad who advanced to the last eight for the first time in 72 years after defeating Colombia on penalties. Warning against complacency the coach noted that Switzerland is a physically strong, experienced team with a rich tournament tradition.
