Gazzaev praises Messi: 'Phenomenon who maintains class at 39'

Gazzaev praises Messi: 'Phenomenon who maintains class at 39'

According to Championat.

Context

Lionel Messi, considered one of the greatest players in the history of football, is an icon of the Argentine National Team. His ability to maintain a high level of play at the age of 39 is remarkable, especially in a tournament as competitive as the 2026 World Cup. His performance not only inspires his teammates, but also raises the level of football presented by Argentina.

Why this matters

Lionel Messi's exceptional performance at the 2026 World Cup is a testament to his longevity and football skill. At 39 years old, he continues to be a central figure for the Argentine national team as they seek to defend their world title. Gazzaev's recognition highlights not only Messi's individual talent, but also his positive impact on his teammates.

Main conclusions

• Gazzaev praises Messi: 'Phenomenon who maintains class at 39'.
• Valery Gazzaev highlighted the impressive skills of Lionel Messi, who continues to show a high level of play at the age of 39.
• Газзаев: Месси — явление, сохранять такой класс в 39 лет не каждому дано.

After Argentina's thrilling victory over Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, renowned Russian coach Valery Gazzaev made impactful statements about Lionel Messi. The Argentine striker, who was once considered one of the greatest players in football history, once again demonstrated his talent in a decisive moment of the tournament. Gazzaev, in conversation with journalist Vladimir Chetyrekov, was full of praise for the star, stating that Messi is a true phenomenon in world football. "Messi's importance to the Argentine national team is undeniable. He is simply a phenomenon! Playing at a high level at the age of 39 and maintaining such technical quality is not something many can do. He continues to show exceptional football and, without a doubt, the players around him also benefit from his presence on the field. They have become more experienced and skilled," said Gazzaev. Argentina, current world champion, is now preparing to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, a challenge that promises to be intense. The 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, began on June 11th and will run until July 19th. The tournament has been full of surprises and exciting games, and Messi's performance continues to be one of the main highlights. Messi, who has already won several individual awards throughout his career, such as the Ballon d'Or, is looking for another world title to crown his career. Expectations are high among Argentine fans, who believe that the star can lead the team to yet another achievement. In 2022, Argentina became champions after beating France in the final, and now the country aims to repeat the feat with Messi leading the team. The game against Egypt, which ended with a score of 3-2, was yet another example of the impact Messi can have on a match.His talent and skill in crucial moments have been fundamental to Argentina's success in the tournament. Gazzaev, with his words, reflects what many fans and experts think about the star: he is a true icon of the sport, and his longevity at the highest level is something worthy of admiration. Thus, all eyes will be on Messi and his team in the next phase of the competition, where the pressure for results only increases.

What happens next

Argentina is preparing to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, a clash that promises to be challenging. Expectations are high, especially with Messi on the field, whose experience and skill could be decisive. The tournament, which takes place across three countries, is full of emotions and Messi's performance will be crucial to Argentina's aspirations.