Messi remains in peak condition, says Scaloni

KANSAS CITY, United States, July 11 — Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni dismissed concerns over Lionel Messi’s workload on Friday, saying the 39-year-old remained in peak physical condition ahead of his team’s World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland.

Scaloni said Argentina’s tracking data showed Messi was covering a similar distance in each match as in previous tournaments.

“He’s not running any more or any less than before. The numbers haven’t changed,” Scaloni said ahead of Saturday’s match at Kansas City Stadium.

“The team supports him a lot. Physically, he’s prepared extremely well with his fitness coach and that’s paying off. He’s giving everything.”