Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Argentina coach Scaloni attended a press conference to answer media questions. The following is an excerpt from the second half of the press conference.

Lionel, first of all, as an Argentine, I want to thank you, because everyone here is Argentine before being a journalist. This is my first time covering Argentina at a FIFA World Cup, and reaching the final means so much to me. It's been incredibly moving—thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also want to ask: after defeating England to reach the final, Messi hugged you and called you "pure history." Messi's international career was so difficult until you arrived and started winning titles. What did that embrace mean to you?

He is "pure history"—he is history, he is a legend. I don't know how to comment on those words he said himself. They weren't just for me but for everyone. It fills me with incredible pride, because it's remarkable that the greatest player in football history can have such thoughts. At 39, he's still leading the team to the final, which is extraordinary. As I've said before, we must cherish him. Like Diego back then—we didn't truly appreciate him until ten or twenty years after he left. Now he's still here, and we must treasure everything he does. He is history and a legend, as is this entire group of players who have brought our country so much glory. Everyone assumes Argentine players should achieve this level, but it's actually very difficult. They've accomplished things that seemed unimaginable years ago. I told them in my speech yesterday that what they've achieved is tremendous. The coaching staff will always be grateful to them, because reaching this stage and maintaining such a high level over a long period is far from easy. It's been a wonderful journey. As I often say, we want to win the final and we believe we can, but even if we don't, the journey itself is magnificent—an example for everyone. I hope it inspires our country and our people.

Lionel, look here. In Qatar, everyone was talking about it being Messi's last World Cup. Now, as the tournament progresses, that narrative keeps changing. I must ask a question that Argentine fans and journalists are reluctant to face: for Lionel Scaloni, will tomorrow be Messi's last World Cup, his final match in an Argentina jersey?

I don't know—who knows? You'd have to ask him. I have no idea. I can't answer that because he always surprises people. It's his question to answer, not mine. We haven't discussed it yet.

Hello, coach. Before the press conference, I saw you embracing Luis de la Fuente. If you're comfortable sharing, what did you discuss? And as someone who knows Spanish football well, what concerns you most about this match?

What worries me is that their team bus won't be able to leave the hotel—I'll try to prevent it from leaving (laughs). How could the Spanish team not worry me? They're an excellent and formidable side. Luis has done a fantastic job since taking over, and I'm genuinely happy for him. As for our conversation... I'd rather not say, because the moment was very surreal. That's the beauty of football. I was there simply because he was going, so I went. I told him: "Luis, I came for you." There are other things I'm not comfortable disclosing. It's really remarkable to meet under such circumstances after so long. Everyone knows I respect him greatly.

Hello, coach. We notice there are no three stars on your badge. Are you superstitious? Will you wear the same clothes or shoes from 2022 for the final?

No, I'm not superstitious. At the last World Cup, I had a small habit—I always wore the same pair of shoes, but I stopped after we lost to Saudi Arabia. Before that, we were undefeated for a long time while wearing them. After losing that first match, those shoes were retired. That was a form of superstition for me, but that loss broke it. So since then, I haven't had particular superstitions. Of course, I still make the sign of the cross and always step onto the field with my right foot first, but I did that as a player too. Other members of the coaching staff may have their own superstitious habits, but I don't have many. Thank you all.

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