Thomas Tuchel's Betrayal

Argentina and Spain couldn't find a date for their Finalissima, and fate has now decreed they'll clash in the World Cup final. This ultimate showdown between the European champions and the two-time Copa América winners will crown the best of the best, and regardless of the outcome, it will solidify Messi's definitive legacy as the last of the footballing gods in his final dance on the pitch.

I believe that in 1986, the Falklands War was far from the minds of Maradona, Valdano, Burruchaga, and their teammates when they defeated England in the Azteca. Even if 'Pelusa' famously said that stealing from an Englishman was even more special, he and his colleagues also confessed to assigning relative weight to the conflict. Similarly, yesterday, four decades later, despite the enduring South American territorial claim, it likely held little sway. Even with the banner raised at the end, if they saw it beforehand, it merely served to amplify their war cry, primarily to further humble an already defeated old adversary.

There was rivalry, aggressive, knife-edge intensity, and all the emotion Argentinians pour into every match — tremendous words and tears from Lautaro Martínez, who had dreamed of scoring in such a moment since his mother bought him his first boots. But above all, there was a soul born from adversity that makes the Albiceleste overwhelming, especially when they sense fear. And then there was Messi, once again, with Scaloni's astute guidance.

Perhaps 'La Scaloneta' wouldn't have reached this point without Tuchel's assistance and the four center-backs, one playing on the right, and the five-man defensive line. With the wall erected right in front of Pickford, made even taller by Dan Burn. We'll never know that alternative reality. However, that doesn't stop the German's decisions from feeling like a betrayal of the team's nature and the quality of their attackers. Messi looked at the two-meter giant and shrugged. "Here you go, Lautaro!" And the world trembled with the reverence everyone showed him.