Scaloni: Luis knows me as a person, but he doesn't know what I think about football

Lionel Scaloni held his press conference ahead of the grand final of the 2026 World Cup between Argentina and Spain. For the first time, this took place two days before the final match of the World Cup, during a major event featuring stars like Novak Djokovic, Rio Ferdinand, and others. Scaloni, who spoke alongside Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez, was part of the second panel of the press conference. Before addressing the microphones, the Argentine coach showed warm relations with his Spanish counterpart, Luis de la Fuente, with whom he shared an embrace.

“I won't say what I told him, because we were in a surreal situation, in the middle of nowhere. What worries me most about Spain? From the moment the bus leaves the hotel, I'll start to worry. They are a great team, a formidable national side. They are doing very well with Luis, and that makes me happy.”

WILL THIS BE MESSI'S LAST WORLD CUP?

“How would I know? You'd have to ask him. I have no idea… because he never stops surprising us. That's a question for him. He is pure history. History, a legend… the fact that he can say such a thing, that it comes from his mouth… fills me with pride. For the best footballer the world has ever seen to think that way is wonderful. To reach a final at 39 years old, I think, is incredible. That's why, when I said we should enjoy him, we must appreciate what he does… he is history and a legend, as is this entire group of players who have given us these wonderful years. Even though people might think an Argentine footballer can do it, achieving it is very difficult. I told them in a conversation: what you have done is incredible. Eternal gratitude from the coaching staff. I hope we win, but even if we don't, the journey has been amazing. An example for everyone.”

ON THE MATCH AGAINST SPAIN

“Yes, we analyzed them because we could have played them in March (editor's note – the canceled Finalissima). Since December, we've been analyzing the other World Cup opponents. There were many opponents we analyzed with potential clashes in mind. But over-analyzing isn't good either. We know how they play, we know their strengths, and we will try not to let them exploit them.”

ON SPAIN'S EXPERIENCE

“Spain also has players who have played on big stages, who are top players in their teams… this whole thing with pressure and everything else – once the ball starts rolling, a footballer forgets. I don't think that's a disadvantage. These are two teams that, when they step onto the pitch, try to do their best through possession.”

Spain also has players who have played on big stages, who are top players in their teams...

On the similarities between Spain and Argentina: “Luis knows me as a person… but he doesn't know what I think about football. We know how our teams play, but we haven't discussed each other's models. Every team has its nuances, but there's a model of attacking through possession. We have similar models, we are strong when we have the ball… in that regard, it's true that we are alike. We hope for a good spectacle on Sunday.”

On the enduring passion: “You see your people celebrating, you see how happy they are… it reaches you, and it's impossible not to be touched. Ultimately, as I've said before, we play for them. We play for our people, for our families. For those who wait to see the national team. We've restored something that I believe is very valuable: people gathering in front of the TV in an Argentina jersey, a River fan embracing a Boca fan. We feel it, we keep it in mind, how could it not move you?”

You see your people celebrating, you see how happy they are… it reaches you.

On the current form: “I think the team has shown positive things, especially in the last few matches. The second half against England was very good. I believe we are in good form, despite some things we need to improve, as always. We will try to win the final.”

On another final: “We prepare in the same way as for any other match. With great desire to perform well, ready to analyze the opponent, to see what we can do during the game… even though it's a final, it's a football match. We have to show our best version to be able to win. We don't obsess over it being a World Cup final, because otherwise, you can get sidetracked. We'll see what happens.”