The grand finale of the FIFA World Cup starts tomorrow at Lusail Stadium, where two strong teams will fight for the Golden Trophy. It will be also Lionel Messi’s last game in the FIFA World Cup. However, Argentine boss Lionel Scaloni has had a press conference today. Check out Scaloni’s important words ahead of the final.
Scaloni on how Argentina reached the final
Argentina came to the Qatar World Cup with a 36-match unbeaten streak. But Saudi Arabia shocked the Albiceleste by defeating them in the opening game. However, Argentina gave an immediate reaction in the next games. They defeated Mexico, Poland, Australia, The Netherlands, and Croatia to reach the final.
Lionel Scaloni thanked all the players for their unbelievable efforts. He said, “The group is at its best, on the brink of a final. They gave themselves to the maximum. Nico González, Joaquín Correa, Martínez Quarta, Nico Domínguez, Pereyra, Juan Musso. I don’t want to forget any of them.”
The manager added, “Lo Celso is already here. It fills us with pride that they want to be here and for us it is the greatest triumph that people feel part of it. It’s fundamental. We have to enjoy it because these are moments that will go down in history”.
Scaloni on Messi’s last game
The World Cup final in Qatar is probably Messi’s last world cup game. “We prepare our match based on how we think they are going to play and how we are going to play. And about Messi? Let’s hope that, if it’s Leo’s last game, that we can win the Cup. It would be great and the important thing is to enjoy it. And what better scenario than in a world final,” Scaloni stated.
Scaloni on how to stop Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is jointly the top scorer so far in this tournament. He scored five goals, the same as Lionel Messi scored. The last time Argentina faced France, Kylian Mbappe netted two goals to eliminate Argentina from the World cup in Russia.
So, manager Lionel Scaloni must draw his attention to Mbappe in the final. He said, “It is a team job more than individual. And not only Mbappé. Beyond the fact that he is a good player, France has other players who supply him and do even better. He is still young and will continue to improve, there is no doubt”.
Scaloni provided the team news
“The team has decided. Now we have the last practice. Maybe in an hour and a half or two they will know. They can be any of the two options (5-3-2 or 4-4-2). Our way of playing goes beyond the game system. I don’t think it will change us if we play one way or the other. We are thinking about the way to hurt the rival and suffer less. We already have it decided.”
Scaloni also gives updates on Angel Di Maria. He said, “Di María is fine to play. He has already trained normally all week and is available for the match.”