Scaloni Concerned About All Aspects of Spain Ahead of World Cup Final

Argentina's national football team coach, Lionel Scaloni, stated that he is concerned about "everything" regarding Spain, their opponent in the upcoming World Cup final. Scaloni highlighted Spain's impressive football and their emphasis on ball possession under coach Luis de la Fuente.

"He is a great team, a great national team, and they have been having a very good period with Luis (de la Fuente), and it makes me happy, truly. So, I am concerned about everything regarding Spain," Scaloni said during an official press conference in New York. He noted similarities in their approach to controlling the ball and expressed hope for an entertaining match for the fans.

Scaloni will face De la Fuente, who was his instructor in a coaching course. The two coaches met at an unusual event with fans in Manhattan before Scaloni's press conference. "We spoke, I won't tell you what I told him because we were in a surreal situation there in the middle of... But this is the football we are living, and well, I went there because he was going to go, otherwise...", he stated.

The coach also reiterated his praise for captain Lionel Messi, who is participating in what is likely his final World Cup. Messi, currently the tournament's top scorer with eight goals alongside Kylian Mbappé, shared a moment with Scaloni after the semifinal victory, calling it "pure history." Scaloni emphasized the importance of appreciating Messi's current performance, drawing a parallel to the regret felt after Diego Maradona's career ended. "The legend is him," Scaloni said, referring to Messi and his teammates, "and all this group of players who have brought us wonderful years."