Scaloni running out of superlatives as Messi continues to break records

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he is struggling to find new ways to praise Lionel Messi after the captain set another record in the team's 3-1 victory over Jordan. Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches when he netted a free kick in the 80th minute.

"It's a little bit of an uncomfortable situation when people ask me that and I don't know what to say," Scaloni said when questioned about Messi's latest achievement. "Today he could've played 90 minutes and, without undermining our opponent, he wanted his team mates to have time on the pitch and to save himself for what's coming up. The only word that comes to mind is that I'm surprised."

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It's a little bit of an uncomfortable situation when people ask me that and I don't know what to say. Today he could've played 90 minutes and, without undermining our opponent, he wanted his team mates to have time on the pitch and to save himself for what's coming up. The only word that comes to mind is that I'm surprised.

Messi's goal was his sixth of the tournament, putting him at the top of the scoring charts. It followed earlier goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez, which were the first not scored by Messi for Argentina in the current World Cup. The win secured Argentina's progress, with Messi's scoring streak extending a remarkable career milestone.

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It's a very positive opinion that I have, especially as I was able to include all the players, this was a goal we always set for ourselves. I believe all of them deserve to enjoy coming to a World Cup and playing at a World Cup and we were able to give them minutes. I think they played quite well in a difficult match. They showed me today that I can count on them.

Scaloni, who made nine changes to the starting lineup, was pleased with the contributions of players who had seen limited action. "It's a very positive opinion that I have, especially as I was able to include all the players, this was a goal we always set for ourselves," he stated. "I believe all of them deserve to enjoy coming to a World Cup and playing at a World Cup and we were able to give them minutes. I think they played quite well in a difficult match. They showed me today that I can count on them."

Looking ahead to the round of 32 match against Cape Verde, Scaloni expressed respect for the debutants. "Based on what I've seen, I'm not surprised," he said of their progress. "They're a good team, they have made it very difficult for the three opponents they have played. Spain couldn't beat them, Uruguay couldn't either. They're a fast team, they play well with a high calibre of play. I can guarantee you they're a team that's going to make it difficult for us."

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Based on what I've seen, I'm not surprised. They're a good team, they have made it very difficult for the three opponents they have played. Spain couldn't beat them, Uruguay couldn't either. They're a fast team, they play well with a high calibre of play. I can guarantee you they're a team that's going to make it difficult for us.