Argentina coach: 'Messi plays like he's not injured'

36-year-old superstar Lionel Messi has just recovered from injury but has regained his best form with Argentina, according to coach Lionel Scaloni.

In the match against Peru in Lima, Messi dribbled and feinted to get past two home players, right in front of coach Scaloni. He raised his arms in the air in joy when he saw his student escape despite two opponents attacking from behind. In addition to this situation, the Argentine captain also scored twice to help the visitors win 2-0.

Messi dribbles the ball during Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru at the National Stadium in Lima, Peru, on the evening of October 17, 2023. Photo: AFP — Messi dribbles the ball during Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru at the National Stadium in Lima, Peru, on the evening of October 17, 2023. Photo: *AFP*

Scaloni started Messi this time, despite having played only around 100 minutes in his last three matches in all competitions. A calf injury suffered in September 2023 has seen him miss six games for Inter Miami, but he has recovered for Argentina's October games. "He plays as if he had not been injured recently," Scaloni said. "The team also plays in a way that suits him, making him comfortable. I hope Messi plays as long as possible, because all the players are happy to play with him."

Scaloni is a former Argentina international, and he played in Messi's debut against Hungary in 2005. Scaloni's assistant is Juan Pablo Aimar, who was Messi's idol. Argentina's coaching staff are building a style of play around the 36-year-old superstar, a tactic that has brought them three consecutive titles including the Copa America, Intercontinental Cup and World Cup.

Since tearing his knee ligaments in the 2015-16 season, Messi has not had an injury so severe that he has missed more than six consecutive games. However, his age has meant that he has rarely played a full game recently. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has been substituted more often than before, because "the important thing is that Messi is healthy and manages his playing time well," according to Scaloni.

In 2023, Messi scored 28 goals and assisted 12 times in 41 games. He averaged a goal every 86 minutes. He played an average of 84 minutes per game, but that figure has dropped rapidly in the past few games. Messi's injury has partly cost Inter Miami the US Open Cup title and the MLS playoffs.

Hoang An

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