Scaloni’s loving message to Spain: ‘The majority of Spaniards love Messi’

A On the eve of a World Cup final that pits his Argentina against Spain, Lionel Scaloni set aside the usual pre-match rhetoric and delivered a heartfelt message to the nation his team will face on Sunday.

“I hope the Spanish fans are happy that Argentina is in the final, for all the joy that Leo Messi has given that country,” the Argentine coach said during his post-semifinal press conference in Atlanta. “I know the majority of the people in Spain love him.”

The words carried unusual weight. For 21 years, Messi graced Spanish football with Barcelona—778 matches, 672 goals, and 269 assists—a love affair that turned a prodigy from Rosario into a global icon. This Sunday, at 39 years old, he will lead Argentina onto the pitch in New Jersey against the very country that became his second home.

“I hope they can understand the true magnitude of this player,” Scaloni added. “What more does he have to do to be considered the best footballer in history? For me, there’s no doubt left at all.”

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‘Let Spain Enjoy It Too’

The Argentine manager, who lives in Spain with his family, even invited Spanish supporters to set aside their national loyalties for 90 minutes and simply appreciate footballing greatness.

“Let Spain also enjoy the opportunity to see Messi play in another World Cup final,” he said. “I know they love him—not everyone, but a large part does.”

It was a diplomatic gesture from a man who will be trying to beat the country he calls home on Sunday. “I live in Spain, but on Sunday, I’m sorry,” he said with a smile.

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A Final Steeped in History

The showdown in New Jersey is dripping with narrative. Spain, the nation that shaped Messi’s career, against Argentina, the nation that gave him life. Luis de la Fuente, Scaloni’s opponent on the touchline, was once his instructor during a coaching course in Madrid—a friendship that now finds itself on opposite sides of football’s greatest stage.

But for Scaloni, the focus remains on his captain. “He’s the best player in history,” he repeated. “What else does he have to prove?”

On Sunday, the answer may come on the pitch. But regardless of the result, Scaloni’s message was clear: Spain may be the opponent, but Messi will always be theirs too.