Scaloni leaves Argentina PK duties up to Messi

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed ahead of the team's FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland that Lionel Messi will retain the right to take penalty kicks if he chooses to, despite missing both of his penalty attempts in the current tournament. Scaloni noted that Messi has converted only four of his last seven penalties for Argentina dating back to the 2022 World Cup, but cited his legacy and recent form as reasons for the decision. The coach also confirmed that Messi has the freedom to roam positionally, as demonstrated in Argentina's 3-2 win over Egypt.