Messi entered the match from the bench at the 60-minute mark and scored an 80th-minute free kick, extending his scoring streak and surpassing the record he shared with France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho.
“It’s somewhat uncomfortable when people ask me that, and I find myself at a loss for words,” Scaloni remarked when questioned again about Messi’s display.
“Today he could’ve played the full 90 minutes, but respecting our opponent, he wanted his teammates to have time on the field while conserving his energy for what’s ahead.
“He doesn’t concern himself with the statistics that others discuss. The only word that comes to mind is surprise.”
Messi’s goal solidified a relatively straightforward victory for the champions, who led by two goals at halftime with a free kick from Giovani Lo Celso and a penalty from Lautaro Martinez.
These were the first goals not scored by Messi for Argentina in this World Cup, as he increased his tournament-leading tally to six.
Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup and expressed satisfaction with the performances of those who had been less involved thus far in the tournament.
“I have a very positive view, particularly as I managed to include all the players; this has always been a goal for us,” he stated.
“I believe each of them deserves the opportunity to experience playing in a World Cup, and we succeeded in giving them minutes. I think they performed well in a challenging match.
“They demonstrated today that I can rely on them.”
Argentina will next face Cape Verde in the round of 32 in Miami, and Scaloni emphasized he wouldn’t underestimate the newcomers.
“Given what I’ve observed, their advancement to the knockout stages doesn’t surprise me,” he remarked. “They’re a strong team and have posed significant challenges to their three opponents.
“Spain couldn’t secure a win against them, nor could Uruguay. They are a quick team that executes high-level play. I can assure you they will present challenges for us.”
