Scaloni marvels at Messi after hat-trick

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi still amazes his teammates after the captain scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria in their World Cup Group J opener on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi of Argentina takes a corner kick during the group J match between Argentina and Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

Messi equaled Miroslav Klose's World Cup record of 16 goals and became the first player to appear at six World Cups, as the South American side began its title defense in emphatic fashion.

"It's hard to explain," Scaloni told reporters. "We're still amazed by him, even though we see him every day. He's been the best for 20 years and he still delivers in every match."

"You don't have to be an Argentina fan to admire what he's done at his age."

Scaloni said Messi's influence extended beyond his performances on the pitch, creating a unique atmosphere around the squad.

"I could stay here talking about him for an hour, but you have to be there to understand the atmosphere he creates," Scaloni said. "One day it [his career] will come to an end, so we have to enjoy it while we can."

The coach also praised his team's adaptability after Algeria's high intensity troubled Argentina in the first half.

"Algeria caused us problems today," Scaloni said. "They counterattacked and we had to do the same. That's not usually our trademark, but we managed to do it and come through."

Scaloni warned against complacency despite Argentina's convincing start to the tournament.

The Albiceleste will meet Austria at Dallas Stadium on Monday and Jordan at the same venue on June 27.

"This team knows that anyone can beat us," he said. "If we do what we have to do and play the way we did today, it will be difficult for other teams to beat us."