Constant Messi chatter causes Argentina boss Scaloni fatigue

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted to feeling fatigued by the incessant media focus on Lionel Messi's record-breaking performances. Messi's two goals in the 2-0 victory over Austria propelled him to 18 World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's men's record of 16 and Marta's overall tournament mark of 17.

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You could see his level of commitment. There's a reason for that, he has commitment and this is what he generates. I have no more words to talk about Leo. It makes us a little bit tired talking about him all the time.

"You could see his level of commitment. There's a reason for that, he has commitment and this is what he generates. I have no more words to talk about Leo. It makes us a little bit tired talking about him all the time," Scaloni said of his captain. Messi's first goal, a penalty, allowed him to move past Klose, solidifying his status as the World Cup's most successful striker.

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It had been complex. We had the peace of mind we needed toward the end. I'm so happy with Leo's performance, he scored again when we are suffering.

Despite a challenging match where Argentina struggled with possession at times, Scaloni praised the team's ability to "suffer" and manage difficult moments. "The team knows how to behave at all times. This was an opponent that had very tall players, that posed a challenge. No one thought this would be easy," he noted.

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The team knows how to suffer and that's something praiseworthy as a team.

With two consecutive wins in Group J, Argentina has secured a spot in the knockout rounds. Scaloni expressed confidence in the team's chances, stating, "We will be there, we will be one of the contenders, but it will be hard facing one of these big teams. But it will be hard for them facing us."

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This World Cup has nothing to do with playing favourites or the players in the national teams. There are other elements at play, the levels of fitness, the emotional element.