Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina, paid an emotional tribute to captain Lionel Messi on the eve of Sunday's FIFA World Cup final against Spain in New Jersey, urging fans worldwide to savour what could be the 39-year-old's final appearance on football's grandest stage. The match carries historic weight: Argentina are bidding to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil in 1962.

Scaloni's Tribute to Messi

'He is pure history. He is a legend,' Scaloni said. 'For him to reach a final at 39 years of age is something unbelievable. That's why I say we must enjoy him.' The coach drew a poignant contrast with the late Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to glory in 1986 and passed away in 2020 at the age of 60. 'Sadly, Maradona is no longer with us, so we have to enjoy him. He is a legend, along with this group of players,' Scaloni added.

A Journey Beyond the Trophy

Scaloni was emphatic that the squad's achievement transcends any single result. Over a five-year period, the group has also claimed two Copa America titles, cementing their status as one of the most decorated generations in Argentine football history. 'This group has achieved something that is unbelievable. I'm deeply thankful, I will be thankful forever. It wasn't easy to reach this final, having competed at such a high level for so long. Even if we don't win, the journey has been unbelievable,' he said. When pressed on whether Sunday's final could mark Messi's international farewell, Scaloni declined to speculate. 'Ask him. I didn't have any idea. He doesn't stop surprising us,' he said.

Knockout Path and Team Confidence

Argentina's route to the final has been dramatic — the side relied on late goals in all four knockout matches, defeating Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England in succession. Despite the nail-biting margins, the 48-year-old coach expressed confidence in his team's fitness and form. 'The team has shown very positive things, especially in the second half against England, not just the last few minutes. I think we're fit, regardless of some aspects. The team is feeling well. We're facing a very tough opponent, and people know how we play, but that's credit to us, and we'll try to win,' he said.

Unity Among Argentine Fans

Scaloni spoke with visible emotion about the social cohesion the national team's run has inspired back home, describing scenes of rival domestic club supporters celebrating together. 'We've recovered something that is extremely valuable, that people are watching the national team: A Boca fan hugging a River fan, Newell's fans hugging [Rosario] Central fans. That makes us really emotional,' he said. He described this unity as both a source of motivation and a reflection of the team's broader impact beyond sport.

On Spain and Luis de la Fuente

Scaloni acknowledged his personal friendship with Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente but made clear that camaraderie stops at the touchline. 'He knows me from a personal point of view, we're friends. But he doesn't know what I think about when it comes to football,' he said. Both sides, he noted, favour ball-possession-based styles, setting up what he hoped would be a compelling spectacle. 'I hope the game on Sunday will be a great show that people will be entertained by,' Scaloni said. The final kicks off in New Jersey on Sunday, 20 July.