Argentina coach Scaloni discusses team ahead of World Cup final

By Sanjay Menon — 19 July 2026 — 3 min read

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference ahead of the World Cup final in New York, United States. The coach discussed the team’s preparation, the emotional connection with their supporters, and the significance of Lionel Messi’s presence in the squad. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Messi also attended a Fanatics Fest event in New York on July 17, 2026, alongside Spain’s Rodri.

Scaloni stated that the team prepares for the final just as they do for every match, with a strong desire for a positive outcome and a willingness to analyse their opponent. He emphasised the need for the team to perform at their best to secure a victory. The coach noted that the team is well-known to their opponents, which he believes adds to the merit of reaching this stage of the competition. He expressed confidence in the team’s current state, despite acknowledging that there are always areas for improvement.

Team Preparation and Player Status

The coach highlighted the importance of rest for the players following their travel. He mentioned that the team had to train on a schedule that was not ideal, describing it as rushed. Scaloni indicated that the focus was on ensuring the players were well-rested. While he noted that some players might not be at 100%, he expressed optimism that all players would be in good condition for an important training session scheduled for the day before the final.

Scaloni also spoke about the emotional connection between the team and their supporters. He mentioned that it is impossible for the team not to be moved by the support from their fans. He stated that the team plays for the people and has managed to rekindle a valuable sense of unity among fans, where individuals from different clubs can share a moment of connection while watching the game. He added that showing emotions is a natural part of life and makes the team more human.

Messi’s Impact and Legacy

Scaloni expressed immense gratitude from the coaching staff to the players, acknowledging the difficulty of competing at a high level for an extended period. He described the team’s journey as incredible and an example for everyone, hoping for a victory in the final.

The coach recounted a moment with Lionel Messi after a match against England, where Messi told him, “we are pure history.” Scaloni responded by saying that Messi himself is pure history and a legend. He expressed pride in hearing Messi’s thoughts on the group, considering him the greatest footballer the world has ever seen. Scaloni found it incredible that Messi has reached the final at his current age and form, urging everyone to appreciate his contributions, his story, and the legend he represents, along with the group of players who have led the team through successful years.

When asked if the World Cup final would be Messi’s last match with Argentina, Scaloni stated that he had no idea and that it was a question for Messi himself. He added that Messi never ceases to surprise him. Scaloni also provided insights into the tactical approach for the final, noting that both teams base their play around ball possession. He observed that while there are some nuances, both teams share similar philosophies regarding play patterns. He mentioned that the team had been analysing potential opponents since December, and that over-analysis is not always beneficial. Scaloni concluded by noting that the team’s opponent in the final had shown significant improvement, particularly in their last match against a strong opponent.

Source: english.news.cn