Scaloni Had Words for Portugal Head Coach After Lionel Messi Comment
Argentina opens its FIFA World Cup title defense on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. But in the final days before the tournament, head coach Lionel Scaloni found himself addressing an off-field controversy involving national team captain Lionel Messi.
The issue stemmed from comments Scaloni made about his working relationship with Messi. A foreign outlet reportedly framed those remarks as though Argentina's head coach does not make decisions without consulting his captain.
The story gained more attention when Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez was asked about the situation and suggested that his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo operated differently (h/t Bein Sport USA).
When addressing the media on Tuesday, Scaloni pushed back on the media's coverage of his comments about Messi's role on the team and also reacted to Martínez's response.
"The other day I said that I discuss everything regarding Messi with him and a foreign outlet twisted my words and reported that I don't make any decisions without asking him first," Scaloni said. "They asked Portugal's coach about it and, since he didn't know the context, he said they work differently. But I'm sure he works the same way I do. He talks with Ronaldo about his situation, and then the coach picks the team."
While Martínez's comments did rub him off the wrong way, Scaloni instead directed much of his frustration at the media for choosing to stir up controversy.
"I didn't like it. It was a non-Argentine outlet, and it bothered me. I hope it was just a misunderstanding. If they could take the article down, they'd be doing me a huge favor… and especially Leo."
He also dismissed any suggestion that Messi influences team selection.
"In all the years I've been here, Messi has never said a single word to me about the team. With him, about him, I discuss everything, but I'll never get tired of repeating that he has never told me who should play or anything about the team."
Lionel Scaloni criticizes European media for "twisting" his comments about Messi's role:
— All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 8, 2026
"The other day I said that I discuss everything regarding Messi with him and a foreign outlet twisted my words and reported that I don't make any decisions without asking him first.… pic.twitter.com/vDApzjYt5F
With their World Cup opener just six days away, Scaloni and Argentina will look to avoid any off-field distractions and keep their focus on football. After winning the tournament in 2022, the defending champions open Group D against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan in the remaining group-stage matches.
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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 4:46 AM.