Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni backed his talisman, Lionel Messi, to continue taking penalty kicks, despite his recent struggles from the spot at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentina skipper has missed both of his penalties in this tournament, scoring only four of his last seven for Argentina, going back to the 2022 World Cup.
Argentina's Lionel Messi missed from the spot against Egypt. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
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But Scaloni knows that the Inter Miami attacker can step up when needed and handle pressure in crucial situations.
‘Leo will take penalties if he wants to’: Lionel Scaloni
"First of all, Leo will take penalties if he wants to," he said, ahead of their quarter-final match vs Switzerland.
Against Egypt, it was Messi's intelligence that saw Argentina make a miraculous comeback after trailing 0-2, as he drifted to the right wing. The South Americans ended up winning 3-2, with Cristian Romero (79'), Messi (83'), and Enzo Fernandez (90+3') scoring at the end.
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He assisted Romero's goal and then scored the equaliser, taking his tally to eight goals and one assist in this campaign.
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He assisted Romero's goal and then scored the equaliser, taking his tally to eight goals and one assist in this campaign.
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"In truth, these days he usually plays much more centrally," said Scaloni.
"But our entire team -- and especially the players who move around him -- play in relation to him. That's normal. It happened naturally within the flow of the game. The team realized that he was creating danger from that side, especially because he was able to find passes into the opposite side where teammates could arrive. I think that became very clear."
Scaloni also pointed out that whatever the former Barcelona man does on the pitch is 'much more decisive' than before.
"Leo runs pretty much the same amount he always has," he said.
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"It's not that he's running significantly more or less. The difference is that now everything he does is much more decisive. ... Maybe it surprises people who don't know him, who expected that at 39 he wouldn't still be at this level. I've said it many times: As long as he wants to keep playing, he'll be the best. That's what I believe. Not because I'm his coach. As long as he still has the desire, he'll remain the best," he added.
Messi turned 39 last month and is having a fairytale run in what is possibly his final World Cup. Argentina are the defending champion, and has been unbeaten in this tournament.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Sports/Football/'Lionel Messi will take penalties if he wants': Scaloni brushes aside criticism despite recent struggles from the spot
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