Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Friday he is not surprised by Lionel Messi’s physical condition at 39, reiterating that he believes ​the captain will remain the best player in the world for as ‌long as he chooses to keep playing.

Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals — level with France’s Kylian Mbappe — and inspiring a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the round ​of 16.

Against the North Africans, the Argentine talisman — playing in a record sixth ​World Cup — netted once and provided an assist to Cristian Romero after ⁠his side trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining.

The Inter Miami forward, who turned 39 ​last month, arrived in the tournament with questions over his fitness after recently recovering from ​a muscle strain.

“Leo runs more or less the same in every match,” Scaloni said. “Physically, it’s true that he has done preparation work with his fitness coach and it has paid off, but in terms ​of numbers I don’t know if he has changed that much.”

“What is clear is ​that he’s giving everything he has. When he gives everything he has and senses that he can ‌create ⁠danger, he is a machine,” the coach added.

Scaloni said those expecting age to catch up with Messi did not know the player well enough.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” he said.

“Maybe people who don’t know him expected that at 39 he wouldn’t be at this level, ​but I don’t know ​how many times ⁠I’ve said it: as long as he wants to, he will be the best. I think that, and not because I’m his ​coach.”

Argentina face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City. Scaloni ​praised their ⁠opponents, who reached the last eight for the first time in 72 years after eliminating Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.

“There are no easy rivals, we all know that,” Scaloni ⁠said.

“They are ​a very good team. They compete with the best ​national teams and always come through. They may win or lose, but they always compete. They have World ​Cup tradition, experienced players and are physically strong.”

-Reuters

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Vinicius Jr apologised to Brazilian fans on July 10 for the “enormous frustration” caused by their World Cup elimination by Norway and promised to “fight” to restore the might of the Selecao.

The five-time world champions were knocked out by upstarts Norway in a shock 2-1 last-16 defeat, thanks to two late goals from Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland.

“Almost four years later, I’m once again thinking about what to write after the disappointment of a World Cup,” Real Madrid superstar Vinicius said in an Instagram message to fans, referring to the quarter-final loss to Croatia at Qatar 2022.

“So many people of all ages supported us and embraced our dream that it would be unfair to remain silent. But I needed a few days to reflect.”

He added: “Wearing the Brazil shirt is the greatest honour of my life, and going out of a World Cup in the round of 16 is a feeling that’s hard to explain.

“I know how much I prepared, how much I focused, how much I wanted the World Cup for you, for my family. The feeling of frustration is enormous.

“We had a squad strong enough to do more, and we didn’t achieve it. I apologise and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world.”

Vinicius, 26 on July 12, scored four goals and provided one assist in the tournament for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

His message was accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of him lying on the grass, after Norway’s win on July 5

The Selecao won the last of their five World Cup titles over two decades ago in 2002.

National teams coordinator Rodrigo Caetano has reaffirmed his confidence in the team’s Italian coach Ancelotti, despite the World Cup disappointment.

The ex-Real and AC Milan coach was appointed in May 2025 and recently signed a contract extension to stay until 2030.

Ancelotti may have been realistic enough to know winning the 2026 World Cup was a big ask, but going out so soon is an enormous disappointment.

Despite that, he insisted he would stay.

“A defeat is the start of a new adventure. Now we need to keep working hard and keep improving,” he said.

“This is football. This is sport. You just have to deal with it. We will use this as fuel going forward.”

That means turning their attention towards the next Copa America in 2028, before they can build to the 2030 World Cup.

By the time that comes around, the nation of the great Pele will have gone 28 years without lifting the trophy.

The 67-year-old Ancelotti has an ageing squad, with 10 players in their thirties.

“We need fresh talent, top-class players who can play in the national team of the future,” added Ancelotti.

AFP

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England captain Harry Kane has confirmed he once played golf with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the experience as “surreal” and praising the president’s game.

Trump told reporters earlier this week that he had played golf with Kane, calling the England striker a great player and a good golfer.

Speaking on Friday on the eve of their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway, Kane confirmed the round took place in Palm Beach, Florida, about 18 months ago.

“I played all right, to be honest,” Kane told reporters in Miami. “He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach. So yeah, when the president invites you somewhere …

“It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him. His golf is pretty good, to be honest,” Kane added. “I hope I can play as well as him when I’m his age. So yeah, unique experience and I was just grateful he invited me down to play.”

Trump had complimented the Bayern Munich forward on his Truth Social platform following England’s 3-2 last-16 victory over Mexico, writing: “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!”

The following day, Trump revealed the pair had played golf together.

“I think Kane is a great player,” Trump said. “I played golf with him, and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer. He’s really great.”

-Reuters

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