Argentina United: Coach Scaloni Touched by National Support Ahead of World Cup Final

The national unity surrounding Argentina's football team has created a "precious and touching" phenomenon, according to national coach Lionel Scaloni. Two days before the World Cup final against Spain, Scaloni described how he has witnessed an extraordinary coming together of the nation, with supporters of rival clubs now embracing each other while wearing the Albiceleste jersey.

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The fact that the whole of Argentina is uniting with its national team is something exceptionally precious and touching.

"A Boca Juniors fan hugging a River Plate fan, a Newell's Old Boys fan hugging a Central Club fan. This is something that deeply touches us," Scaloni stated at a press conference in New York. He emphasized that this unity and team spirit are particularly vital on the World Cup stage. "People are with us, they support us and carry us; it's very touching," he added, expressing hope for victory but also pride in the team's incredible journey.

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A Boca Juniors fan hugging a River Plate fan, a Newell's Old Boys fan hugging a Central Club fan. This is something that deeply touches us; it cannot be otherwise, especially since at the World Cup this unity, this team spirit, is crucial.

Scaloni also touched upon the enduring legacy of captain Lionel Messi, urging Argentinians to cherish the 39-year-year-old legend. When asked if the final would be Messi's last game, Scaloni playfully deferred, saying, "Well, what do I know, ask him!" He noted that Messi "never ceases to amaze us."

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We want to be remembered like any other Argentinian - that we are hardworking, that we never give up, and that even if it's difficult, we always find a way through, as we have seen in this World Cup.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed the sentiment of national pride and hard work. He described his teammates as coming from working-class backgrounds, united by a common thread of diligent effort. "We come from families where both parents had to work, and that includes my family, my mother and my father," Martinez shared. He aspires for the team to be remembered as hardworking and resilient, embodying the spirit of those who "never give up and always find a way through, as we have seen in this World Cup."

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He never ceases to amaze us, that's a question you should ask him.