Lionel Scaloni stated that he aims for the Argentine national team to be immortalized as a team that 'never gave up,' preparing the champions for the encounter with hardworking Switzerland in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Preparation for the tournament
The defending champions successfully passed the group stage of the 2026 global event, but in the tense playoffs, they faced serious challenges from Cape Verde and Egypt. The South American team has not lost in 11 World Cup matches, striving to become the second nation after Brazil in 1962 to win the trophy twice.
However, in Kansas City, they face a serious test against a well-prepared Swiss team. During a press conference before the match at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, Scaloni emphasized that support for La Albiceleste is a matter of pure passion.
Team Philosophy
The 48-year-old head coach shared that he would like the national team to be remembered as a collective that never yielded. He admitted that he felt strong emotions watching the support shown by a young fan. Scaloni noted: 'We, the technical staff and the players—we play football for this. We don't play football just for the win. And when you see what comes from our heart, it's just amazing. When you see a ten-year-old child saying such things with such passion, and everyone shouts 'Argentina,' it's very emotional. That is the legacy I want.'
Stoppage Kick Stance
In the upcoming quarterfinal, Lionel Messi will return to the field where he scored an impressive hat-trick in the first match, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria. The Inter Miami forward is currently tied with Kylian Mbappé of France on eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot, and has also increased his record as the top scorer in World Cup history, scoring 21 goals in his career.
Messi's tally could potentially have been even more impressive if he hadn't missed two penalties, which was uncharacteristic for him. Nevertheless, Scaloni firmly rejected any suggestions that he might deny his inspiring captain the right to take free kicks. Scaloni insisted: 'It wouldn't even cross my mind to tell him not to take the next penalty. Let him do what he wants. We have players who can take them, but he will take it if he wants to, and if not, it depends on him. Let him do what he wants on the field.'
Messi's Future and Opponents
The Argentine coach added that the 39-year-old talisman will remain at the highest level of world football as long as he wishes. Scaloni stated: 'At 39, some might think he cannot handle the challenge, but I said earlier that as long as he wants to, he will be the best. I say this not because I coach him, but because I think if he wants to, he will continue to be the best.'
He continued, recalling the past: 'Those who see his training, those who see him today, cannot even imagine what he was like at 23 years old when he played for Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.'
Scaloni warned that the resilient Swiss team, led by influential captain Granit Xhaka, presents a serious obstacle in the pursuit of finals. He added: 'They have a long history in the World Cups. They have very experienced players, and they are physically strong. This will be a difficult opponent, that's for sure. We respect them very much, as we respect all our opponents. They eliminated the Colombian team, which showed exceptional results during this tournament.'
If Argentina overcomes the Swiss hurdle, an exciting semifinal awaits them against England or Norway.