Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said there is no one who can catch Lionel Messi in the greatest of all time argument.
Scaloni's comments come as the soccer world focuses on the FIFA World Cup 2026. The manager's assertion reinforces the legacy of a player who continues to influence the sport's global standing despite his advancing age.
Speaking during coverage of the Austria vs. Jordan World Cup match on June 17, 2026 [1], Scaloni said Messi has an unparalleled status in soccer history. The broadcast was hosted by Fox Soccer [2].
"There is no one who can catch Messi in the GOAT argument," Scaloni said [3].
The coach's remarks highlight the enduring impact of the 38-year-old forward [4]. Messi has reached a milestone of 200 international caps for Argentina [5]. This longevity has positioned him to potentially make a record six World Cup appearances [6].
Scaloni's public support for Messi reflects the internal dynamics of the Argentina national team. The manager has consistently leaned on Messi's leadership to maintain the team's competitive edge on the international stage.
While the GOAT debate often involves various historical figures, Scaloni said the possibility of any current or former player surpassing Messi is dismissed. He framed the achievement not just as a matter of skill, but as an unattainable standard of excellence.
“There is no one who can catch Messi in the GOAT argument.”
Scaloni's comments serve to solidify Messi's legacy during the 2026 World Cup cycle. By framing Messi as untouchable in the historical rankings, the Argentina manager is transitioning the narrative from active competition to a permanent state of sporting legend, regardless of the team's final tournament outcome.
