Paul Scholes has hailed Lionel Messi following Argentina's convincing group-stage wins in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On July 3, Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
What happened?
Paul Scholes claimed that the reigning world champions look even better than they did in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He praised Messi's form, saying he is 'just a freak' and that it's 'ridiculous' that he is still performing at such a high level at 39 years old.
Argentina won all three of their group-stage games, finishing at the top of Group J. They won 3-0 against Algeria, 2-0 against Austria, and 3-1 against Jordan, with Messi scoring his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria.
Why it matters for Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes' comments highlight the impressive form of Lionel Messi and Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a former midfielder, Scholes knows the importance of a strong team performance, and he believes that Argentina look stronger than they did in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi has been in sensational form, scoring six goals in three games. He became the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in seven consecutive games and broke Miroslav Klose's record of most goals in World Cup history.
What comes next?
Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3. If they win, they will face the winner of Egypt vs Australia in the Round of 16. Paul Scholes' comments suggest that Argentina are favorites to reach the later stages of the tournament.
The former England international said, as quoted by The Good, The Bad & The Football: 'I actually think Argentina look better than what they did when they won it. They look stronger. They look better. Messi is just a freak. Unbelievable. Six goals in three games. It's just ridiculous, isn't it? 39 years of age, or is he 38? Nearly 39. It's absolutely ridiculous what he's doing.'
Lionel Messi also holds the record for most Player of the Match awards, having won the award on 11 occasions. He is also the youngest and oldest goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup for Argentina.
Paul Scholes' praise for Lionel Messi is a testament to the Argentine's impressive form in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Argentina looking strong, they will be favorites to reach the later stages of the tournament.