'He is pure history' – Scaloni lauds Messi influence ahead of World Cup final

Lionel Scaloni hailed Lionel Messi as "pure history" and a "legend" as he prepares for what could be his final Argentina match in the World Cup final.

Argentina are looking to defend their title at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday and win a second World Cup with Messi leading the team.

The 39-year-old is likely playing in his final World Cup match, but it remains to be seen if he will continue his international career past the conclusion of the tournament.

Messi has starred for Argentina at the 2026 edition so far, and currently leads the Golden Boot race, having netted eight goals and registered four assists so far.

Since 1966, the only player with more goal involvements in a single edition is Germany's Gerd Muller in 1970 (10 goals, three assists).

Messi has had the most shots (34) and created the most chances (25) at the 2026 World Cup, the most combined (59) since Diego Maradona in 1986 (29 shots, 30 chances created).

The Argentina captain is set to become just the second player in World Cup history to appear in three finals (also 2014 and 2022) and has been involved in 15 goals in his last nine knockout matches (seven goals, eight assists), either scoring or assisting in all nine. 

While Scaloni did not want to comment on Messi's future, he remains full of praise for Argentina's talisman.

"He is pure history," said Scaloni. "A legend.

"Reaching a final at 39 years of age is unbelievable. We must enjoy him as it happens. With Diego [Maradona], we miss him. But Messi is still with us.

"He is the history, he is the legend, and together with this group of people who have brought us these wonderful years, we'll always remember him."

Under Scaloni, Argentina have also won the last two editions of the Copa America on either side of their World Cup triumph.

The Albiceleste head into the final having won their last 14 games in all competitions and would break the all-time record winning run by a South American nation should they win this match.

And goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is excited to add to their incredible success.

"I am focused only on winning. The whole team has improved so much, and this is something we have spent years building," Martinez said.

"Honestly, sometimes I cry to myself thinking about what we have achieved. I am just trying to enjoy the moment. Because sometimes, as footballers, you don't really realise where you are in your career.

"My message to my team-mates is that they should enjoy this moment, prepare with a smile on our faces. This is something we will remember forever."