Scaloni crowns Messi as pure history before World Cup final

Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez and Lionel Scaloni spoke to Fanatics Fest in advance of the World Cup final. The meeting was captured in a photograph by Stephanie Scarbrough/AP, showing the Argentina head coach, the captain and the goalkeeper together on Friday in New York City. Few considered Argentina – built around an aging core and led by the 39‑year‑old talisman – capable of reaching the final. Yet the team has assembled a series of heart‑stopping, chaotic performances to get this far. Argentina’s journey included a memorable and unexpected semi‑final win over England, securing a date with Spain on Sunday for the World Cup final. In Spain, the El Albiceleste will face a side whose style is centred on possession and a tightly organised defensive setup, a stark contrast to Argentina’s chaotic play. Scaloni warned, “If Spain leaves the hotel, I am already concerned,” adding that everything about Spain concerns him.

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Argentina enter the match as defending World Cup champions, while Spain last lifted the trophy in 2010. Spain have no players who have ever appeared in a final, whereas Argentina have several. Scaloni noted that Spain’s squad includes players who have featured in globally big stages, such as a Euro final and a Nations League final, and argued that previous final experience does not necessarily give Argentina an edge.

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Messi reflected on his upbringing, saying he grew up playing football with passion, never thinking about pressure, and that losing taught him to grow as a person and player. When asked about Messi’s legacy, Scaloni replied, “He is pure history. A legend. Reaching a final at 39 years of age is unbelievable. With Diego we miss him, but Messi is still with us. He is the history, he is the legend.”