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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is once again experiencing the thrill of a World Cup final, four years after his historic triumph in Qatar 2022. On the Albiceleste bench, the Argentine coach will face his friend Luis de la Fuente's Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, which will take place on Sunday at 9:00 p.m.
At the press conference before the big match, Scaloni spoke about the team's preparations, the Spanish opponent, Lionel Messi, the fans and expectations for the final.
A final is still a football match.
Scaloni stressed that Argentina's preparations do not change despite the importance of the challenge.
" We prepare in the same way as for any other match. We are eager for everything to go well, to analyze the opponent and to understand what we can do during the match. Beyond the fact that it is a final, it remains a football match ," said the Argentine coach.
He added that to win the trophy the team must be at its best.
" We have to be at our best to win. We don't go into the game thinking it's a World Cup final, because you can lose concentration. We'll see what happens ."
We are in a very good moment.
Analyzing the team's form, Scaloni praised Argentina's recent performances and believes the team is ready for the biggest challenge.
" I think the team has shown very positive things, especially in the last few games. The second half against England was very good. I believe we are in a good state, although there are always things to improve. We will try to win the final ."
We play for our people.
The Argentina coach spoke with emotion about the incredible support of the fans.
" When you see your people celebrating and how happy they are, it touches you deeply. At the end of the day, as I've said before, we play for them. We play for our people, for our families ."
According to Skaloni, the national team has regained a special connection with the fans.
" We have brought back something that I believe is very precious. People sit in front of the TV with the Argentina jersey on and a River Plate fan hugs a Boca Juniors fan. We feel that and we always keep that in mind. How can it not touch you ?"
Spain and Argentina, two teams with similar philosophies
Scaloni also spoke about the tactical confrontation with Luis de la Fuente's Spain, admitting that the two teams have some similarities in their way of playing.
" Luis knows me as a person, but he doesn't know how I see football. We know how our teams play, but we've never discussed how we build the game. Each team has its own characteristics, but we have a common approach: we attack by keeping the ball ."
He added:
" We have similar playing styles. We build our strength through ball control and in this aspect it is true that we are similar. I hope that on Sunday it will be a great spectacle ."
Experience doesn't decide in the final
Scaloni does not believe that experience in big matches will be a decisive advantage.
" Spain also has players who have played on big stages, top-level footballers in their clubs. When the ball starts rolling, the player forgets all the pressure. I don't think experience is an advantage or a disadvantage. They are two teams that try to play their football through possession ."
Messi? "It's pure history"
A large portion of the questions focused on Lionel Messi and the possibility that this could be the last World Cup for the Argentine star.
Scaloni did not give a concrete answer:
" How would I know? You'd have to ask him. I have no idea, because he never ceases to surprise us. That's a question for him ."
However, he did not spare praise for Messi's performances at the age of 39.
" He is pure history. History, legend... When he says those words, when they come out of his mouth, it fills me with pride. For the greatest footballer the world has ever seen to think like that, it's something wonderful ."
Scaloni stressed that Messi's achievement is something extraordinary.
" To reach a final at the age of 39 is something incredible. We have to enjoy this moment and appreciate what he is doing. He is history and legend, but also this group of players who have given us wonderful years ."
“ Spain? Even the bus leaving the hotel worries me ”
Scaloni showed maximum respect for his Spanish opponent.
" What worries me most about Spain? Even the bus leaving the hotel worries me. They are a great team, an extraordinary national team. They are having a very good time with Luis and I am happy for them ."
In the end, the Argentine coach praised his team's journey, despite the final result.
" What these players have done is incredible. Our coaching staff will be eternally grateful. We hope we win, but even if it doesn't happen, the journey has been incredible. An example for everyone ."
The Argentina-Spain final is expected to be a showdown between two similar football philosophies, but also another great chapter in the history of Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team.
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