Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed no surprise at Lionel Messi's physical condition at age 39, insisting the captain remains the world's best player for as long as he chooses to play.
Messi has been central to Argentina's World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals in five matches—second only to France's Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race. He also inspired a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16, scoring once and assisting Cristian Romero after his team trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes left.
Despite arriving at his sixth World Cup after recovering from a muscle strain, Messi has shown no signs of decline. "Leo runs more or less the same in every match," Scaloni told reporters on Friday. "Physically, he has done preparation work with his fitness coach, and it has paid off."
The coach added: "When he gives everything and senses he can create danger, he is a machine."
Messi has missed two penalties in the tournament, but Scaloni confirmed he will not take spot-kick duties away from his captain. "It wouldn't even cross my mind to tell him not to take the next penalty. Let him do whatever he wants on the pitch."
Scaloni dismissed suggestions that age might catch up with Messi. "It doesn't surprise me. People who don't know him expected that at 39 he wouldn't be at this level, but as long as he wants to, he will be the best."
Argentina faces Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City. Scaloni praised the Swiss, who reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years after eliminating Colombia on penalties. "They are a very good team. They compete with the best and always come through. They may win or lose, but they always compete."
Should Argentina win, they will face either England or Norway in the semifinals.