Messi is undoubtedly the best: Lionel Scaloni believes the GOAT debate is now over

It was a bit of Lionel Messi magic that pulled Argentina out of adversity against England and into the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 15. Messi was not 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 as Argentina won 2-1 in Atlanta.

Messi scored eight goals and four assists for a campaign that put Argentina on the brink of retaining their crown. Ahead of the tournament, Messi took on Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo to see who is truly the best footballer in history, as was the case during their intense rivalry representing Barcelona and Real Madrid. But Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni feels the debate is well and truly over.

“There is no longer any doubt that he is the best footballer in history,” Scaloni said at the post-match press conference, as quoted by Marco.

ARGENTINA PLAYS BEST UNDER PRESSURE

From the start of the knockout stages, Argentina were under serious pressure when it came to the task of defending their crown. Against Cabo Verde they had to dig in and beat Egypt in the Round of 16 after leading by two goals.

Scaloni feels his team play their best football when their backs are against the wall. The Argentina coach believes his team can recognize when their opponents hesitate a bit and go on the back foot.

“I honestly think this team plays its best football when it’s under pressure,” Scaloni said in a post-match press conference.

“When we struggle and the opponent hesitates a little bit, we feel the blood and go at it with everything we have. That’s the feeling this team gives me.”

“I’m happy because the team fought until the very end, and that’s crucial for me. Even if we went home disqualified, we would do it knowing that we left everything on the pitch.”

Argentina have the chance to make 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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Published on:

16 Jul 2026 08:06 IST