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By Vikram Iyer — 19 July 2026 — 3 min read

Argentina’s Final Preparations

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference ahead of the World Cup final against Spain. He discussed the team’s preparations and their approach to the upcoming match. Scaloni emphasised that the team prepares for this final just as they do for every other match, with a strong desire for a positive outcome and a thorough analysis of their opponent. He noted the importance of the team performing at their best to secure a victory.

Scaloni mentioned that the team is in good condition, despite acknowledging areas for improvement. He highlighted that Argentina is a well-known team to their opponents, which he believes adds to the merit of reaching the final. The coach expressed the team’s determination to win the final match.

The coach also addressed the team’s schedule, noting that they had to train on an undesirable timetable and were focused on resting. He indicated that while some players might not be at 100%, he expected all players to be well for the important training session scheduled before the final. The final match between Argentina and Spain is set to take place in New York, United States.

Scaloni on Messi and Team Spirit

During the press conference, Scaloni spoke about the emotional connection between the team and their supporters. He stated that it is impossible for the team not to be moved by the passion of their fans, and that they play for the people. Scaloni believes the team has restored a valuable sense of unity, where fans from different clubs can come together to support the national side. He also noted that showing emotions is a natural part of life and makes them more human.

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 their 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 the greatest footballer think about the team, calling it a wonderful sentiment. Scaloni also marvelled at Messi’s ability to reach a final at his current age, describing it as incredible. He stressed the importance of valuing Messi’s contributions and the legend he represents, along with the group of players who have delivered wonderful years for the national team.

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, adding that Messi never ceases to surprise.

Tactical Outlook Against Spain

Scaloni also provided insights into the upcoming match against Spain. He observed that both national teams build their play around ball possession. He noted that while there might be some nuances, both teams share similar patterns of play revolving around the ball. Scaloni explained that Argentina has been analysing potential World Cup opponents since December, and that their analysis of Spain was not more extensive than for any other team. He cautioned against over-analysis, stating that Argentina is a national team that knows itself well.

He further commented on Spain’s performance, noting their progression throughout the tournament. Scaloni highlighted that Spain’s most recent match, against a strong opponent like France, was their best performance. The press conference took place on July 17, 2026, in New York, United States, ahead of the final match.

Source: english.news.cn