Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente shared an emotional embrace ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final, renewing a friendship that began nearly a decade ago when one was a coaching instructor and the other a student.
The pair met during FIFA’s Fanatics Fest event in New York, where both finalists appeared before supporters ahead of football’s biggest match.
Their relationship dates back to 2017, when Scaloni enrolled for his UEFA Pro coaching licence after retiring from professional football. De la Fuente was one of the instructors on the course organised by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Speaking before the final, Scaloni said their personal relationship would have little impact on the tactical battle.
“He knows me personally, but he doesn’t know what I’m thinking about football,” he said.
Scaloni added that both teams favour possession-based attacking football and expressed hope that the final would entertain fans around the world.
De la Fuente also praised his former student, saying both coaches share similar football values and principles.
The Spain coach described the opportunity to face Scaloni in a World Cup final as a privilege.
Scaloni also rejected claims that Argentina’s experience of winning the 2022 World Cup would provide an advantage.
He noted that Spain had also gained valuable experience by reaching major finals under De la Fuente, including UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League.
Argentina are aiming to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar, while Spain are chasing their first world crown since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
The final will see a respected mentor and his former student compete for football’s biggest prize before their friendship resumes once the final whistle sounds.
