Argentina coach Scaloni discusses team preparation and Messi ahead of World Cup final

By Karan Malhotra — 19 July 2026 — 3 min read

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the media in a press conference ahead of the World Cup final against Spain. The coach spoke about the team’s preparations, the emotional connection with their supporters, and the significance of Lionel Messi to the squad. The press conference took place in New York, United States, on July 17, 2026.

Scaloni noted that the team prepares for the final just as they do for every match, with a strong desire for a positive outcome and a thorough analysis of their opponent. He emphasised the need for Argentina to perform at their best to secure a victory. Despite acknowledging areas for improvement, Scaloni expressed confidence in the team’s current state, highlighting that their established reputation among opponents makes their journey to the final even more commendable. The coach stated that the team aims to win the final.

Team Readiness and Emotional Connection

Regarding the team’s physical condition, Scaloni mentioned that the players were focused on resting after their travel. He indicated that they had to train on a schedule that was not ideal and felt rushed. While some players might not be at full fitness, he noted that an upcoming training session would be important, but in principle, all players were well. Scaloni also touched upon the emotional aspect of playing for their country, stating that the support from the fans deeply affects the team. He highlighted the valuable recovery of a sense of unity among people, where fans from different clubs embrace each other while watching the games.

Scaloni believes that showing emotions is a natural part of life and makes individuals more human. He conveyed 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, expressing hope for a victory in the final.

Messi’s Legacy and Spain Match Analysis

Scaloni also shared details about a conversation with Lionel Messi following a match against England. Messi reportedly told Scaloni, “we are pure history,” to which Scaloni responded that Messi himself is the true legend. Scaloni expressed pride in hearing Messi’s sentiment, remarking that it is wonderful for the world’s greatest footballer to think highly of the team. He praised Messi’s ability to reach the final at 39 years old, describing it as incredible and urging everyone to appreciate Messi’s contributions, his story, and the legend he represents, along with the group of players who have delivered wonderful years for Argentina. When asked if the World Cup final would be Messi’s last match with Argentina, Scaloni stated he had no idea and that it was a question for Messi, noting that Messi never ceases to surprise.

Discussing the upcoming match against Spain, Scaloni observed that both national teams build their play around ball possession. He noted that while there are nuances, both teams share similar approaches in their game patterns. Scaloni confirmed that Argentina had been analysing potential World Cup opponents since December, indicating that Spain was not singled out for more analysis than any other team. He cautioned against over-analysis and reiterated that Argentina is a team that understands its own strengths. He also commented on Spain’s performance, stating that they improved throughout the tournament, with their best match being against France. Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also attended a press conference on July 17, 2026.