Scaloni, Before the World Cup Final: 'We Play for Our Country'

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's head coach, voiced his dissatisfaction with FIFA's scheduling, which he felt compromised his team's preparation for the World Cup final. Scaloni complained about the "very strange and quick" training time allocated on Friday, prioritizing his players' rest and recovery ahead of the crucial match. "We were forced to train at a time we didn't want," he stated, indicating that the team's lineup would depend on the players' condition.

Speaking at a packed press conference, Scaloni highlighted the profound significance of the final for Argentina. "We play for our people, for our country, for our family, for those people who are waiting to see the national team," he declared. He spoke emotionally about the unifying power of the team's success, bringing together fans from rival club backgrounds. "We recovered something very valuable: that people sit in front of the television and that a fan of Boca and River, of Newell's and Central, give each other a hug," he observed, emphasizing the deep emotional connection the team fosters.

Scaloni also addressed the comparison with previous finals, suggesting that while experience is valuable, it doesn't guarantee an edge. He acknowledged that the opponent, Spain, also possesses players accustomed to high-stakes matches. "I don't think it's fundamental that we've already played a final," he remarked, indicating that both teams would focus on executing their game plan.

He characterized the final as a contest between two technically gifted teams with similar playing philosophies. "They base everything through the ball, in that we are quite similar," Scaloni noted, anticipating a match where skill and talent would prevail. He also touched upon the challenge of marking Lionel Messi, acknowledging the player's immense talent while suggesting a collective approach rather than strict man-to-man marking would be employed.