Full Breakdown
Lionel Scaloni Defends 39-Year-Old Lionel Messi Amid Penalty Debate
7/12/2026, 3:02:30 AM
Core Event: Coach Affirms Messi’s Elite Status at 39
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni told reporters that, despite turning 39 during the World Cup, Messi remains “the best player in the world … as long as he still has the desire.” Scaloni emphasized that Messi’s physical output is unchanged and that his actions have become “much more decisive.” The coach also reiterated that Messi will take penalties if he wishes, underscoring the captain’s autonomy in that role ahead of the quarter-final against Switzerland.
Background & Context: Messi’s Longevity and Record-Breaking Performances
Messi entered the tournament as the oldest player ever to score and assist in a World Cup match, extending a record he already held. The match against Egypt marked the fifth occasion he both scored and assisted, a feat achieved by no other player more than three times since 1966. He also surpassed Diego Maradona to become the competition’s all-time leading assist provider with nine assists.
Data & Statistics: Goals, Assists, Penalty Record
- Goals: Eight in the tournament, tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé.
- Assists: Nine, the highest in World Cup history.
- Penalty attempts: Missed two penalties in the competition, the first of the summer’s tournament and a second later in the knockout stage. He has converted only four of his last seven penalties for Argentina dating back to the 2022 World Cup.
Official Statements & Responses
Scaloni highlighted Messi’s unchanged running volume, noting “Leo runs pretty much the same amount he always has.” He framed Messi’s continued excellence as a function of desire rather than age. Regarding set-pieces, Scaloni said, “First of all, Leo will take penalties if he wants to. We have other players capable of taking them, but if he wants to take them, he’ll take them.” The manager positioned Messi’s penalty choice as a personal decision, not a tactical mandate.
Criticism & Opposition: Penalty-Taking Debate
Analysts have questioned whether Messi should remain Argentina’s primary penalty taker given his recent miss rate. While his overall contributions remain unparalleled, the contrast between his prolific scoring and a 57 % conversion rate from the spot has sparked discussion about delegating spot-kick duties to other capable teammates.
On-the-Ground Perspective: Bounou Praises Messi’s Mentality
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou lauded Messi’s resilience, stating that the Argentine captain “regained his confidence, showed his strong personality, and carried the entire team on his shoulders” after missing a penalty. Bounou added that Argentina’s “heart and spirit” reflect a tradition he admires, and he described Messi as “a freer Messi, a Messi with completely different energy.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree Messi missed two penalties, but one report describes them as “both his penalties” while another notes “the missed penalty was Messi’s second of this summer’s tournament.” No source clarifies whether a different player will assume penalty duties in future matches, leaving that tactical decision unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Leo runs pretty much the same amount he always has. It's not that he's running significantly more or less. The difference is that now everything he does is much more decisive,” — Lionel Scaloni, Argentina manager
- “We have other players capable of taking them, but if he wants to take them, he'll take them.” — Lionel Scaloni, Argentina manager
- “I congratulate Messi and I also congratulate all the players and friends I have in the Argentina national team. I wish them nothing but the very best. I see Argentina playing with a lot of heart and spirit, which is something that has always characterized Argentine players. I was really impressed by the mentality Messi showed in the last match.” — Yassine Bounou, Morocco goalkeeper
- “He added that it shows the forward's level and said: "After missing a penalty, he regained his confidence, showed his strong personality, and carried the entire team on his shoulders.” — Yassine Bounou, Morocco goalkeeper
- “I see Argentina playing with a lot of heart and spirit, which is something that has always characterized Argentine players.” — Yassine Bounou, Morocco goalkeeper
What’s Next
Argentina faces Switzerland in the quarter-finals, where Messi will have the opportunity to extend his goal tally and potentially reclaim the tournament’s scoring lead.
