Lionel Scaloni wants Argentina remembered as a team that never gave up ahead of Sunday’s FIFA 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland.
La Albiceleste cruised through the group stage but have been pushed to the limit in the knockout rounds, surviving stern tests against Cape Verde and Egypt to extend their unbeaten World Cup run to 11 matches.
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Argentina are now bidding to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title, but Scaloni expects another difficult challenge against a disciplined Switzerland side in Kansas City.
‘I want this team remembered for never giving up’
Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, the 48-year-old said the team’s greatest legacy should be its resilience and fighting spirit.
“I would like this national team to be remembered as a team that never gave up,” Scaloni said.
The Argentina boss revealed he had been deeply moved after watching a young fan passionately express his support for the national team.
“We, the technical staff and the players, play football for this. We do not play football just for a win,” he said.
“When you see those things that come out of our heart, it is just outstanding.
“When you see a 10-year-old saying those things and talking with that passion, and everyone shouting ‘Argentina’, that is just so emotional. That is the legacy I want.”
Messi returns to happy hunting ground
Saturday’s quarter-final will see Lionel Messi return to Arrowhead Stadium, where he opened Argentina’s World Cup campaign with a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The Inter Miami captain is level with France’s Kylian Mbappe on eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot and has extended his record as the highest-scoring player in World Cup history with 21 career goals.
Messi’s tally could have been even higher after missing two penalties during the tournament, but Scaloni insisted there is no question over who will continue to take spot-kicks for Argentina.
Argentina chasing another piece of history
Victory over Switzerland would move Argentina one step closer to retaining the World Cup and becoming the first team in more than six decades to win back-to-back titles.
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