Messi is pure history, says Argentine coach ahead of World Cup final

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, lauded Lionel Messi as "pure history" and "a legend" as the team prepared to play in the FIFA World Cup final. Scaloni urged fans to savor the experience of watching the 39-year-old superstar, whose potential final World Cup appearance is imminent.

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He is pure history. A legend. Reaching a final at 39 years of age is unbelievable. We must enjoy him as it happens.

Speaking at a FIFA Fanatics event in New York, Scaloni, alongside goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and Messi himself, reflected on the star's legacy. "With Diego Maradona, we miss him. But Messi is still with us. He is the history, he is the legend," Scaloni stated, emphasizing the importance of enjoying Messi's presence while he is still active.

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With Diego Maradona, we miss him. But Messi is still with us. He is the history, he is the legend, and together with this group of people who have brought us these wonderful years, we’ll always remember him.

Scaloni acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Spain in the final, describing them as a "great team" that concerns him. He dismissed the idea that Argentina's previous final experience would offer a significant advantage, noting that Spain also possesses players with experience in major international matches.

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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.

The coach stressed the importance of his team staying true to their roots and playing with passion, as they have since childhood. "The pressure stays to the side; it's not worth worrying about," he advised, focusing on the need to "just play ball and don't even think about what could happen."

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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; it’s not worth worrying about. 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.