Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said he is not surprised by Lionel Messi's physical condition at age 39, reiterating his belief that the captain will remain the best player in the world for as long as he continues playing.

Messi has scored eight goals in five World Cup matches, trailing only 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, becoming the all-time leading World Cup scorer with 21 goals.

Despite missing two penalties in the tournament, Scaloni confirmed he would not take spot-kick duties away from Messi: "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 doubts about Messi's age: "Maybe 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. I think that, and not because I'm his coach."

Argentina faces Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Scaloni praised the Swiss: "There are no easy rivals. They are a very good team, compete with the best, and always come through. They have World Cup tradition, experienced players, and are physically strong."

Source: www.aljazeera.com