Lionel Scaloni and Argentina to approach World Cup final as if it was any other match
Lionel Scaloni (48) points out the keys Argentina needs to succeed. "We need to be at our best to win. We don't go into it thinking it's a World Cup final, because otherwise you can lose focus. We'll see what happens."
He also analyzes the current form of his players. "I think the team has shown positive things, especially in the last few matches. The second half against England was very good. I think we're doing well, although there are always things to improve, as always. We'll try to win the final."
And, of course, he highlights the passion of the Argentine fans. "You see your people celebrating, you see how happy they are, it really gets to you and it's impossible not to feel it in your heart. In the end, as I've said before, we play for them. We play for our people, for our families. For those who are waiting to see the national team. We've regained something I think is very valuable: that people stand in front of the TV wearing the Argentina shirt, and a River fan hugs a Boca fan. We feel it, we keep it in mind - how could it not move you?"
Spain
Scaloni has spoken about the similarities and differences between Spain and Argentina. "Luis knows me as a person... but he doesn't know what I think about football. We know how our teams play, but we haven't talked about each other's patterns. Each team has its nuances, but there's a common approach of attacking through possession.
"We have similar patterns, we build our strength through possession, and in that sense, it's true we're alike. Hopefully Sunday will be a great show."
He is skeptical about the role of experience. "Spain also has players who have played on big stages, who are top players for their clubs, and when the ball starts rolling, all that pressure and everything else, the player forgets about it. I don't think it's a handicap. These are two teams that, when they step onto the pitch, try to do their best through possession."
He also points out that he has studied his opponent well. "Yes, we analyzed them because we could have played them in March, but not more than others - we've also analyzed the rest of our World Cup opponents since December. There were a lot of teams we studied in case we faced them. And overanalyzing isn't good either. We know how they play, we know their strengths, and we'll try to prevent them from using them."
And when it comes to Spain, potentially everything can be a concern. "I won't say what I told De la Fuente because we were in a surreal situation there, in the middle of nowhere - I told him I came for him, otherwise I wouldn't have gone. And other things I won't tell you. What worries me most about Spain? Even the bus leaving the hotel worries me. They're a great team, a great national side. They're having a great run with Luis, and I'm happy for them."
Messi
Scaloni didn't want to comment on whether this is Messi's last World Cup. "How should I know? You have to ask him. I have no idea, because he never stops surprising us. That's a question for him."
And he praised the World Cup Messi is having at 39 years old. "He is pure history. History, legend... for him to say that, for those words to come from his mouth... it fills me with pride. For the best footballer the world has ever seen to think that, it's wonderful.
"To reach a final at 39, I think it's incredible. That's why I said we should enjoy it, we have to appreciate what he's doing... the history and the legend is him, and this whole group of players who have given us some wonderful years."
"Even though people think Argentine players can do it, achieving it is very difficult. I told him in a conversation: what they've done is incredible. Eternal gratitude from the coaching staff. I hope we win, but even if we don't, the journey has been amazing. An example for everyone."