Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi continues to amaze his teammates after the captain scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria in their opening Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ) US time.
Messi equalled Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals and became the first player to appear in six World Cups, as the South Americans began their title defence in style.
"It's hard to explain," Scaloni told reporters. "We're still amazed by him, even though we see him every day. He's been the best for 20 years, and he still shines in every game."
"You don't have to be an Argentina fan to admire what he has done at his age."
Scaloni said Messi's influence was not only evident in his performances on the pitch, but also in his ability to create a special atmosphere within the Argentina squad.
"I could talk for an hour just about him, but you have to be in the squad to understand the atmosphere he creates," Scaloni said. "One day [his career] will end, so we have to enjoy it while we can."
Argentina's Lionel Messi (right) battles with Algeria's Rayan Ait-Nouri during the match.
The coach also praised his team's ability to adapt after Algeria's high-intensity play made things difficult for Argentina in the first half.
"Algeria made things difficult for us today," said Scaloni. "They relied on counter-attacks, and we had to respond in the same way. That's not our style of play, but we managed to do it and played a good game."
Scaloni warned his team not to be complacent even though Argentina started the tournament with a convincing win. The team nicknamed Albiceleste will face Austria at Dallas Stadium on Monday (22/6), then play again at the same venue against Jordan on June 27.
"This team knows that anyone can beat us," Scaloni said. "But if we do what we have to do and play like we did today, it will be very difficult for any team to beat us."
