Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni: ‘Lionel Messi has proven he is the best of all time’
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has labelled Lionel Messi “the best of all time” following his performance in their World Cup 2022 victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday.
The 35-year-old contributed to both of La Albiceleste’s two goals in normal time, firstly producing an exquisite assist for Nahuel Molina before scoring from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
The Netherlands rarely threated Argentina’s backline, but they fought back late on to restore parity and send the fiery contest into extra time courtesy of two goals from substitute Wout Weghorst, including a dramatic 101st-minute equaliser.
The Oranje’s remarkable comeback was ultimately in vain, though, as Argentina prevailed 4-3 on penalties to set up a semi-final clash with Croatia who stunned Brazil to win 4-2 in their own shootout following a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.
Messi scored the first of Argentina’s spot kicks, but his strike in normal time has seen him draw level with Gabriel Batistuta as the nation’s joint-record scorer at the World Cup with 10 goals.
The Paris Saint-Germain attacker’s assist, meanwhile, was his fifth in the World Cup knockout rounds which is more than any other player in the competition’s history since records began in 1996, surpassing Brazil icon Pele with four.
Messi expressed his delight for Argentina progressing to the semi-finals, adding: “A lot of joy, a lot of happiness. We didn’t have to go to extra time or penalties, we had to suffer. But we got through and it’s impressive.
“Argentina is among the four best in the world because we shows that we knows how to play every game with the same desire and the same intensity.
“We’re really enjoying the World Cup, the people, the games. We’re happy, I’m really happy!”
Argentina will now have four days of rest, recuperation and preparation before facing Croatia in the last four at Lusail Stadium next Tuesday.
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