Argentina Coach, Scaloni Speaks On World Cup Victory, Messi’s Impact

Emotional Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni has commended his team for winning the FIFA World Cup for the third time after their victory against France at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday.

Speaking with reporters after the World Cup final match, Scalonis said the players gave their best in the game for the Argentina fans, adding that it is the greatest pride to play for one’s country.

He said: “This squad, these players, play for their people. They play for the Argentina fans.

“That’s what I have always seen. There are no rivalries, everyone pulls in the same direction.

“It is the greatest pride to play for your own country. The players who broke their backs, have achieved this title because they understood what they had to do on the pitch. We are very very happy and proud.

“Today we are World Cup champions. Although we went to a penalty shoot-out, we deserved the win because of our great performance. Only some moments they made trouble for us.”

 

When asked about Messi, Scaloni expressed hope that the Argentina captain would be at the next World Cup in 2026, and can continue to lead the team.

He stated that he’s more than entitled to decide if he wants to keep playing for Argentina or not.

He said: “First of all, we need to save him a spot for the next World Cup in 2026 if he wants to keep playing. If he wants to keep playing, he’ll be with us.

“He’s more than entitled to decide if he wants to keep playing for Argentina or not, and what he wants to do with his career.

“It’s such a huge pleasure for us to coach him and his teammates. Everything that he transmits to his teammates is something unparallel, that I’ve never seen before. A player, a person who gives so much to his teammates.”