Scaloni: Messi is a legend, this is what we need to win the final

Argentina's national team coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed his squad's readiness for the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, stressing that Argentina needs to deliver their best performance to clinch the title.

Lionel Scaloni stated during the press conference: "We prepared as we do before every match, with great enthusiasm and a desire for things to go well, fully ready to analyze the opponent. We need to present our best version to try to win."

He added: "I think we are in good shape, although there are always things to improve. We are a well-known team to our opponents, so reaching this stage holds double value. We will try to win the final."

Regarding the players' physical condition, the Argentine coach stated: "Today's training will be important, but right now all the players are in good shape."

Scaloni spoke about the emotional relationship between the team and Argentine fans, saying: "It is impossible not to be touched by what our people are experiencing. We play for them, and we have regained something extremely precious, which is to see people standing in front of the television, embracing a fan from one club with a fan from another club."

He also highlighted the importance of expressing emotions within football, stating: "It's beautiful to show our feelings, as it's part of life and our personality, which makes us more human."

Regarding the expected playing style in the final, he said: "Both Spain and we are teams that build everything on the ball. The playing patterns revolve around possession, with some slight differences, but we think similarly in this aspect."

He added: "We started in December analyzing all potential competitors in the World Cup, not just Spain. Overanalyzing is not good either, as both teams know each other well."

Lionel Scaloni gave a huge compliment to his captain Lionel Messi, saying: "Leo's arrival at another World Cup final at the age of thirty-nine is incredible. We must appreciate what he does, and value the history and the legend he represents, along with this group of players who have given us wonderful years."

The Argentinian coach concluded his statements with a message of gratitude to his players: "We have eternal gratitude from the coaching staff to these players. It is not easy to compete at this level for many years. It’s amazing. We hope to win, but the journey we have taken has been incredible and serves as an example for everyone."