Scaloni hails Messi's mentality after Argentina's World Cup qualifier win

Lionel Messi's mental fortitude and commitment were on full display as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in their World Cup 2026 qualifier. Despite missing a penalty early in the match, the captain's resilience and passion ignited his teammates, according to coach Lionel Scaloni.

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It's normal to be disappointed when you miss a penalty, but knowing that when Leo gets excited... when he gets excited, everyone gets excited too. And I think that's also a strength of the team.

"It's normal to be disappointed when you miss a penalty, but knowing that when Leo gets excited... when he gets excited, everyone gets excited too. And I think that's also a strength of the team," Scaloni said, as quoted by FIFA's official website. He further emphasized Messi's exceptional work ethic, noting that even when the team struggled to maintain possession, Messi continued to "work hard and managed to score – you can see his commitment."

The win not only cemented Argentina's position at the top of Group I with six points from two matches but also guaranteed their advancement to the next round of the qualifiers. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister echoed Scaloni's sentiments, describing Messi's on-field actions as "extraordinary" and expressing his pleasure in witnessing the star player's magic firsthand.

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Even today when the team struggled to maintain possession, he continued to work hard and managed to score – you can see his commitment.

Mac Allister added, "The things he does are truly extraordinary, the way he reacts in the last moments to whatever happens. So, yes, there's nothing more to add, happy he can be there enjoying the game and scoring goals."

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The things he does are truly extraordinary, the way he reacts in the last moments to whatever happens. So, yes, there's nothing more to add, happy he can be there enjoying the game and scoring goals.