Scaloni: We know their strengths

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain in North America will be a particularly special occasion for him.

During the pre-match press conference, when asked whether this World Cup would be the last for star Lionel Messi, Scaloni responded: “What am I supposed to know? That question should be directed to him; I have no idea. Because he continues to amaze us, it is a question addressed to him personally.”

Regarding the prospect of playing against Spain, he clarified: “Yes, we have analyzed them because we anticipated the possibility of facing them in March, but no more than any other opponent. We have been analyzing all other World Cup contenders since last December in preparation for potential matchups, and over-analysis is not beneficial either. We know how they play, we understand their strengths, and we will try to prevent them from implementing them.”

Scaloni added: “Spain also has players who have competed on major stages and are key figures at their clubs. Issues like pressure and all these matters fade away once the ball starts rolling, as players forget about them.”

On the similarities between Spain and Argentina, Scaloni replied: “Luis knows me as a person, but he does not know what I think about football. If we know how our teams play, it is not because we have discussed each other’s specific tactics. Each team has its own nuances, but there is a common approach: attacking through possession. We share similar styles and become strong through ball control. In this regard, we are indeed alike, and we hope the match will be a wonderful spectacle.”