No doubt Messi is the greatest: Lionel Scaloni believes GOAT debate is now over
Lionel Scaloni declared Lionel Messi the greatest footballer in history after Argentina's 2-1 semi-final comeback over England. Messi's two assists sent the holders into another World Cup final and to the edge of history.
It was a bit of Lionel Messi magic that dragged Argentina from adversity against England and got them into the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on July 15. Messi wasn't on the scoresheet for the second game on the trot during the tournament, but he set up both goals for the defending World Champions in a stunning second-half comeback that saw Argentina win 2-1 in Atlanta.
That took the tally for Messi to eight goals and four assists for the campaign, which has put Argentina on the brink of retaining their crown. Before the start of the tournament, Messi was pitted against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo to see who was truly the greatest footballer in history, as was the case during their intense rivalry while representing Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. But Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni feels that the debate is well and truly over.
"There are no longer any doubts that he is the greatest footballer in history,” said Scaloni during the post-match press conference, as quoted by Marca.
ARGENTINA PLAYS BEST UNDER PRESSURE
Since the knockout stages began, Argentina have been under serious pressure when it comes to the task of defending their crown. They had to dig deep against Cabo Verde and defeated Egypt in the Round Of 16 after trailing by two goals.
Scaloni feels that his team plays the best football when they have their backs against the wall. The Argentina coach believes that his side has the skill to identify when their opponents hesitate a little and go on the backfoot.
“I honestly think this team plays its best football when it's under pressure,” Scaloni told a post-match press conference.
“When we're struggling, and the opponent hesitates just a little, we smell blood and we go for it with everything we've got. That's the feeling this team gives me.
“I'm happy because the team fought until the very end, and that's fundamental for me. Even if we'd gone home eliminated, we would have done so knowing we'd left everything on the field.”
Argentina have the chance to create history and become the third side after Italy and Brazil to win back-to-back World Cups if they beat Spain in the final on Sunday, 19 July.
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It was a bit of Lionel Messi magic that dragged Argentina from adversity against England and got them into the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on July 15. Messi wasn't on the scoresheet for the second game on the trot during the tournament, but he set up both goals for the defending World Champions in a stunning second-half comeback that saw Argentina win 2-1 in Atlanta.
That took the tally for Messi to eight goals and four assists for the campaign, which has put Argentina on the brink of retaining their crown. Before the start of the tournament, Messi was pitted against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo to see who was truly the greatest footballer in history, as was the case during their intense rivalry while representing Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. But Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni feels that the debate is well and truly over.
"There are no longer any doubts that he is the greatest footballer in history,” said Scaloni during the post-match press conference, as quoted by Marca.
ARGENTINA PLAYS BEST UNDER PRESSURE
Since the knockout stages began, Argentina have been under serious pressure when it comes to the task of defending their crown. They had to dig deep against Cabo Verde and defeated Egypt in the Round Of 16 after trailing by two goals.
Scaloni feels that his team plays the best football when they have their backs against the wall. The Argentina coach believes that his side has the skill to identify when their opponents hesitate a little and go on the backfoot.
“I honestly think this team plays its best football when it's under pressure,” Scaloni told a post-match press conference.
“When we're struggling, and the opponent hesitates just a little, we smell blood and we go for it with everything we've got. That's the feeling this team gives me.
“I'm happy because the team fought until the very end, and that's fundamental for me. Even if we'd gone home eliminated, we would have done so knowing we'd left everything on the field.”
Argentina have the chance to create history and become the third side after Italy and Brazil to win back-to-back World Cups if they beat Spain in the final on Sunday, 19 July.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
It was a bit of Lionel Messi magic that dragged Argentina from adversity against England and got them into the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on July 15. Messi wasn't on the scoresheet for the second game on the trot during the tournament, but he set up both goals for the defending World Champions in a stunning second-half comeback that saw Argentina win 2-1 in Atlanta.
That took the tally for Messi to eight goals and four assists for the campaign, which has put Argentina on the brink of retaining their crown. Before the start of the tournament, Messi was pitted against Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo to see who was truly the greatest footballer in history, as was the case during their intense rivalry while representing Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. But Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni feels that the debate is well and truly over.
"There are no longer any doubts that he is the greatest footballer in history,” said Scaloni during the post-match press conference, as quoted by Marca.
ARGENTINA PLAYS BEST UNDER PRESSURE
Since the knockout stages began, Argentina have been under serious pressure when it comes to the task of defending their crown. They had to dig deep against Cabo Verde and defeated Egypt in the Round Of 16 after trailing by two goals.
Scaloni feels that his team plays the best football when they have their backs against the wall. The Argentina coach believes that his side has the skill to identify when their opponents hesitate a little and go on the backfoot.
“I honestly think this team plays its best football when it's under pressure,” Scaloni told a post-match press conference.
“When we're struggling, and the opponent hesitates just a little, we smell blood and we go for it with everything we've got. That's the feeling this team gives me.
“I'm happy because the team fought until the very end, and that's fundamental for me. Even if we'd gone home eliminated, we would have done so knowing we'd left everything on the field.”
Argentina have the chance to create history and become the third side after Italy and Brazil to win back-to-back World Cups if they beat Spain in the final on Sunday, 19 July.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
