Austria Coach Rangnick Calls Messi 'The Best' After World Cup Match

Austria's head coach, Ralf Rangnick, offered glowing praise for Lionel Messi following Argentina's 2-0 win, declaring the superstar is not just one of the best, but 'the best.' Rangnick's comments came after Messi's performance in the World Cup 2026 qualifier. "When someone is 39 years old and scores two goals in this match and five goals overall at the start of a World Cup, they make the difference," the Austrian manager stated in a press conference. He further emphasized Messi's exceptional talent, asserting, "We knew Messi is on another level. He showed us today that he is not one of the best, but he is the best."

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When someone is 39 years old and scores two goals in this match and five goals overall at the start of a World Cup, they make the difference.

Rangnick, however, did not shy away from acknowledging his team's shortcomings. He admitted that his players made mistakes that led to Argentina's second goal. "In the second goal, we also made mistakes. It is our fault," he conceded. Despite the overall assessment of Messi's brilliance, the Austrian coach also raised concerns about the officiating during the match. He expressed a desire for the fourth official to have prompted the referee to review the first goal, particularly regarding a potential foul on player Schlager. "In the first goal, I wish the fourth official had asked the referee to do what he did before on the penalty and asked him to go to VAR. There was a foul on Schlager," Rangnick said.

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We knew Messi is on another level. He showed us today that he is not one of the best, but he is the best.