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Scaloni describes Messi as pure history ahead of World Cup final
18th July, 2026 08:21 AM
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has praised Lionel Messi before Sunday’s, July 19, 2026 FIFA World Cup final, calling on supporters to appreciate what could be the captain’s final outing on football’s grandest stage.
Argentina is aiming to retain the World Cup title and become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive championships when it takes on Spain in the final in New Jersey.
Pure history
“He is pure history. He is a legend,” Scaloni told a press conference on Friday. “For him to reach a final at 39 years of age is something unbelievable. That’s why I say we must enjoy him.”
Scaloni noted that Messi’s remarkable career carries even greater significance following the passing of Diego Maradona, who famously guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. Maradona, widely considered among football’s all-time greats, died in 2020 aged 60.
“Sadly, Maradona is no longer with us, so we have to enjoy him. He is a legend, along with this group of players,” he said.
Reflecting on his team’s achievements over the past five years, including two Copa America titles, Scaloni praised the consistency and determination of his players.
“It’s very difficult to achieve this,” he added.
“This group has achieved something that is unbelievable. I’m deeply thankful, I will be thankful forever. It wasn’t easy to reach this final, having competed at such a high level for so long. Even if we don’t win, the journey has been unbelievable.”
When asked if Sunday’s showdown could mark Messi’s final appearance in Argentina colours, the coach refused to make any assumptions.
“Ask him. I didn’t have any idea. He doesn’t stop surprising us,” he said. “This is a question you should ask him.”
Scaloni, 48, explained that preparations for the title match had followed the same routine as every other fixture throughout the tournament.
Although Argentina needed dramatic late goals to overcome Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England during the knockout rounds, the coach insisted his squad enters the final in strong condition.
“The team has shown very positive things, especially in the second half against England, not just the last few minutes,” he said. “I think we’re fit, regardless of some aspects. The team is feeling well. We’re facing a very tough opponent, and people know how we play, but that’s credit to us, and we’ll try to win.”
Bond with supporters
The Argentina boss also highlighted the bond between the national team and its supporters, saying the squad has helped unite fans from rival clubs across the country.
“We’ve recovered something that is extremely valuable, that people are watching the national team: A Boca fan hugging a River fan, Newell’s fans hugging [Rosario] Central fans,” he said. “That makes us really emotional. Especially because unity in a World Cup for the team is essential, we really feel the unity and the support that people are giving us. It’s good to express emotions. It’s part of life, of who we are, and it makes us more human.”
Scaloni also discussed Spain and head coach Luis de la Fuente, describing him as a close friend while stressing they have avoided discussing tactical plans before the final.
“He knows me from a personal point of view, we’re friends. But he doesn’t know what I think about when it comes to football,” Scaloni said. “We haven’t really been talking about our playing style, but those patterns are obviously there when we have possession of the ball. We have similar patterns of play, having the ball and becoming stronger with the ball. I hope the game on Sunday will be a great show that people will be entertained by.”
