Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:21pm on 11 Jul 2026,Saturday Sports
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has backed Lionel Messi to remain the team's penalty taker despite the captain missing both spot-kicks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ahead of Argentina's quarterfinal against Switzerland, Scaloni insisted the decision rests with Messi. "Leo will take penalties if he wants to," he said. Messi missed from the spot against Egypt but later inspired Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback by setting up Cristian Romero before scoring the equaliser. The 39-year-old has registered eight goals and one assist in the tournament. Scaloni added that Messi's influence remains decisive, saying the forward continues to be the world's best player as long as he wants to keep playing. (PC: X)
