Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, captain Lionel Messi, and goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez spoke to the media on Friday in New York City, two days before Argentina's second consecutive World Cup final appearance. The defending champions will face Spain on Sunday at 3pm ET.
Underdog run to the final
Few expected Argentina—built around an aging core and led by a 39-year-old talisman—to reach this stage. Yet the team has delivered heart-stopping, chaotic performances, capped by a memorable semi-final win over England. Scaloni acknowledged the underdog narrative but remained focused on the challenge ahead.
Spain: the anti-Argentina
Spain presents a stark contrast to Argentina's chaotic style. Their possession-based game and tightly organized defense rarely err. While Argentina's path has been pure chaos, Spain's has been almost devoid of it. Scaloni is wary: 'If Spain leaves the hotel, I am already concerned. Once they are on the bus and they leave the hotel, I am concerned. They are a great team. Everything concerns me about Spain.'
Experience vs. pressure
Argentina have multiple players with final experience, while Spain have none. However, Scaloni downplayed this advantage: 'They also have players who have played in globally big stages. They are top players for their teams. When the ball starts rolling, players forget about pressure and focus on playing. They played a Euro final and a Nations League final. I don't think being in a final again plays in our favor.'
Carefree mindset
Scaloni emphasized Argentina's carefree approach: 'The best thing we have is that we've grown up in rough places playing ball. Playing soccer and not thinking about what other people say. The pressure stays to the side. On Sunday, we need to do what we've done since the beginning, just play ball and don't even think about what could happen.' Messi echoed: 'We grew up playing football with a lot of passion and desire, wherever—in school, the street, with little teams in our neighborhoods. We never thought of pressure. It always felt natural. Since we were little, I learned that you lose more than you win. That made me grow as a person and player.'
Messi's legacy
Sunday may be Messi's final game for Argentina. Scaloni paid tribute: 'He is pure history. A legend. Reaching a final at 39 years of age is unbelievable. We must enjoy him as it happens. With Diego, we miss him. But Messi is still with us. He is the history, the legend, and together with this group of people who have brought us these wonderful years, we'll always remember him.'
