Lionel Scaloni could have spent the eve of another World Cup final discussing Spain’s midfield, Lionel Messi’s brilliance or the tactical puzzles that await Argentina on Sunday. The Argentine coach for much of this World Cup have talked and emphasised more on the unity and spirit of his players rather than tactical nuances.
“You see how people are celebrating and how happy they are, and that reaches us,” Scaloni said. “It is impossible for it not to reach the bottom of your heart. We play for our country and our people. We have recovered something valuable. People are watching our matches wearing the national shirt, River fans hugging Boca fans, Boca fans hugging Newell’s fans. That is what makes this special. This feeling of unity is the most important thing. It is emotional for us, and it is good to express emotion because that makes you more human.”
The World Cup has brought Argentina within one victory of retaining its title. Yet listening to Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez before Sunday’s final against Spain, there was little talk of legacy or dynasty. Instead, there was gratitude for what this generation has already built.
“It is difficult to express in words what we have achieved in the past few years,” Martínez said. “I am grateful for everything we have achieved. We have to enjoy these moments as professional footballers and prepare for the game with happiness. Things can go well or badly, but we have to enjoy them.”
It is an outlook shaped by experience. Four years ago, Martínez walked into his first World Cup final carrying the weight of expectation. This time, he believes calm has become one of his greatest strengths. “I feel calm because it is my second time here,” he said. “Many people think goalkeepers need to make great saves, but it goes beyond that. It is about moving higher, controlling your area with your movement. England pressed hard at the start but then stopped when they saw I was calm. I need to help the team in that way.”
Talking about the bond this team shares, Martinez said: “All the players come from working-class families where both parents worked. We feel that bond as a group. I would like people to remember me as just another Argentine who worked hard.”
It is a description that Scaloni endorse. The coach insists nothing changes simply because Sunday’s match carries football’s biggest prize. “We prepared for the final the way we prepare for every match,” Scaloni said. “We analysed the opponent to see what we can do during the game. We need to give the best version of ourselves to win.
ALSO READ:16,000 kilometres of devotion: How Argentina became South Asia’s second team
“We think it is one more game. We can’t keep thinking it is the final because then we will become distracted.”
Argentina arrives after another comeback victory against England, though Scaloni believes there is still room for improvement. “The team showed positive things in the second half against England. We are fit, but we can improve. We are feeling well and we are facing an opponent that knows us well.”
Spain’s run to the final has hardly come as a surprise. “We analysed Spain even before the tournament because they were one of the possible opponents,” Scaloni revealed. “We know how they play, we know their strengths and we will try to stop them from using them while playing our football.”
The Argentina coach expects an evenly matched contest. “Each team tries to attack, enjoy possession and become stronger with the ball,” he said. “I hope Sunday’s game will be a good show and people will be entertained.”
Martínez is determined that the spotlight should not fall solely on him, despite a career built on defining moments in knockout football. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Scaloni also doesn’t believe Argentina’s experience of winning the 2022 World Cup offers any psychological advantage. “Both teams have players who perform on the biggest stages,” Scaloni said. “Once the ball starts rolling, players forget about pressure. Spain has played a Euro final and a Nations League final. I don’t think our previous World Cup final gives us an advantage.”
Martínez was equally determined that the spotlight should not fall solely on him, despite a career built on defining moments in knockout football. “I don’t want to make headlines,” the goalkeeper said. “I want my teammates and my coach to trust me. If my moment doesn’t come and we win the final, that is just as important. I want my teammates to be the stars. If my moment comes, I will try to help the team.”
It is perhaps the sentence that best explains why this Argentina side has reached yet another final. For all the individual brilliance of Messi, Martínez and the rest, Scaloni has spent four years constructing a team that believes the collective always comes first.
Comments
Published on Jul 18, 2026