Spain x Argentina — palpite, H2H e estatísticas (19/07/2026)

In his pre-match press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his side is preparing the same way it prepares for every game, deliberately avoiding calling it a 'final' in his own mind to prevent extra tension. He said the team has been in good shape, pointing to a strong second half against England, while acknowledging that Spain also knows Argentina's style well after facing them before.

Asked about the right-back rotation between Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, Scaloni said both had shared minutes throughout the tournament and that the final decision would come after a proper training session, since the squad landed late the previous night. On the emotional scenes after each match, he linked the players' tears to the unity shown by Argentine fans and the sense that the team is playing for its people and families.

He confirmed a close friendship with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, noting both teams share similar possession-based footballing patterns, and described a warm embrace with him before the press conference. Pressed on whether this could be Messi's last World Cup match, Scaloni deflected, saying that question should be put to Messi himself, while praising the captain's 'pure history' comment after beating England as a source of great pride.

He also revealed his only past superstition was wearing the same boots throughout the previous World Cup until a loss to Saudi Arabia, after which he abandoned it.