Lionel Scaloni Lets 47 World Cup Teams Know About Argentina's Mindset
Argentina heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the defending champions, with momentum and confidence. Head coach Lionel Scaloni had some words to share as his team looks to conquer the biggest stage in soccer for the second straight time.
The reigning world champions wrapped up their final warm-up game with a convincing 3-0 win over Iceland at Auburn Tigers' Jordan-Hare Stadium. The performance also featured Lionel Messi scoring a penalty after coming off the bench. With the South American side viewed as one of the favorites ahead of the tournament, their coach issued a strong statement.
"It's very difficult to say that we will win the World Cup again, because it's very difficult," said Scaloni in the post-game press conference. The 48-year-old understands that winning the tournament is one of the hardest tasks in soccer. Only Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Italy in 1934 and 1938, have won the World Cup in consecutive editions.
In 2022, France had the chance to join those two nations by winning a second straight World Cup. However, they were stopped in their tracks by the Argentinians. Now, Scaloni's men have the opportunity to join that elite club. The coach then sent a strong message that could draw the attention of all 47 teams competing in the tournament.
He said, "What can I assure you that these players will leave their lives on the pitch. We will do everything until the end." The passion, along with the talent, is what helped Argentina secure their first World Cup title in 36 years back in Qatar. Most of the players from that tournament are also included in the squad for the upcoming event.
Only nine players from the 2022 team are absent. The man who scored in the final, Angel Di Maria, has retired from international soccer. Paulo Dybala and Angel Correa are among the other notable names to miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among the key additions, Jose Manuel Lopez has earned a place in the squad. The Palmeiras striker adds depth behind Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Nico Paz, who has been making headlines with Como 1907 in Europe, is set to compete in his first World Cup. The former Real Madrid midfielder was born in Spain but chose to represent Argentina at the international level. However, current Real Madrid star Franco Mastantuono failed to make the squad.
Nevertheless, Scaloni's squad consists of proven champions and rising stars. While they may carry the pressure of defending their title, Argentina will make sure they leave everything on the field, just as their coach has demanded.
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 6:52 AM.