The embrace lasted longer than the cameras expected.
After a quick interaction in front of the fans at the FIFA Fanatics events, a first ahead of a FIFA World Cup final, Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina coach, walked across the stage and wrapped his former teacher, Luis De La Fuente, in a tight hug.
Mentor and student had a personal moment in front of the prying eyes of thousands who had paid USD 60 to get the feel of a scripted press conference ahead of the final.
On Sunday, they will stand in opposite technical areas with football’s biggest prize in contention.
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Their relationship stretches back to 2017, when Scaloni, just retired from playing, had enrolled for his UEFA Pro coaching licence at the Spanish Football Federation’s academy in Las Rozas. One of the instructors guiding the course was De la Fuente, then one of Spain’s most respected coaching educators.
Nearly a decade later, both have arrived at the summit of international football.
“He knows me personally, but he doesn’t know what I’m thinking about football,” Scaloni said with a smile. “Both of us know how the other plays. Each team tries to attack, enjoy possession and become stronger with the ball. I hope Sunday’s game will be a good show and people will be entertained.”
De la Fuente believes their footballing ideas are closer than many realise. “We are great competitors and we are happy to face each other,” he said. “We have huge admiration for each other. Lionel Scaloni and I share many concepts, values and principles that drive our teams.”
Scaloni echoed that respect, insisting Argentina’s previous World Cup final experience counts for little against a Spain side that has already conquered Europe.
“Spain is a tough team,” he said. “They have played a Euro final and a Nations League final under Luis. I don’t think it favours us because we have played a World Cup final before.”
For 90 minutes, the friendship forged in a classroom in Las Rozas will be suspended. The teacher and his former student will compete for the same trophy. But the camaraderie and the embrace will, hopefully, return once the game is over.
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Published on Jul 18, 2026