Scaloni: Messi's inexplicable exploits are no longer a surprise

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is no longer surprised by Lionel Messi's "inexplicable" achievements, after the star scored three goals in the 3-0 victory over Algeria last Tuesday (16), in a Group J game of the World Cup.

Messi's hat-trick at the Kansas City Stadium saw him equal German Miroslav Klose's all-time record for goals scored in World Cups, which is 16.

In winning his 200th cap for the national team, the 38-year-old became the first to compete in six World Cups and the oldest to score a hat-trick in the tournament's history - exactly 20 years after his first goal on a global stage.

While the victory boosted Argentina's hopes of successfully defending their title, Scaloni said there was no room for complacency.

"This team knows that anyone can beat us. If we get a little too confident, any opponent can win. In this World Cup, strange and difficult things are happening. If we do things right, it will be difficult to beat us," he declared.

Scaloni attributed the victory to team chemistry, noting that the bond between teammates is what helps them overcome difficulties.

"There's still a long way to go to reach the end. But it's always good to start by winning; that, without a doubt, strengthens everything", added Scaloni.

With the victory, Argentina avoided repeating the stumbles in the debut of the 2018 and 2022 seasons and now turns its attention to the next duel, against Austria, in Arlington, Texas, on Monday (22).

Source: CNN