CORNERFLICK
Lionel Scaloni said Argentina are preparing for the World Cup final against Spain in the same way as any other match, while warning that the contest will begin long before kick-off once his squad leaves the hotel.
Speaking before the 2026 final, the Argentina coach described Spain as a big side playing excellent football under Luis de la Fuente. He said both managers know each other’s ideas, even if they have never discussed tactics directly.
Scaloni reserved special praise for Lamine Yamal, calling the teenager a treasure for football and comparing him with Lionel Messi as a player who is very hard to stop. He joked that he would like to lock Yamal in his room before the game, while adding that Spain’s youngster has many years ahead of him.
He also declined to say whether the final will be Messi’s last World Cup appearance. Scaloni said only Messi can answer that question and added that reaching a World Cup final at 39 is remarkable. He called the Argentina captain an icon and part of football history.
Scaloni also criticised FIFA’s planning for Argentina’s training session, saying the team arrived late, had to train at an awkward time and could barely test anything. He added that some players are still not fully fit.