Scaloni and De la Fuente Share Heartfelt Moment Before World Cup Final

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, and Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, had an emotional hug on Saturday before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Their bond started almost ten years ago when Scaloni was a student and De la Fuente was his teacher.

The two coaches met at the FIFA Fanatics event in New York on Friday. This was the first time that both World Cup finalists engaged with fans together before the big match.

After speaking to fans at the event, Scaloni walked over to De la Fuente and hugged him. This moment got loud cheers from the thousands of fans present.

According to SportsStar, their relationship began in 2017. Scaloni had just retired from professional football and signed up for his UEFA Pro coaching license at the Spanish Football Federation’s academy in Las Rozas. De la Fuente was one of the teachers in that program.

On Sunday, their friendship will take a backseat as Argentina and Spain go head-to-head for the World Cup trophy.

Before the final, Scaloni talked about his long friendship with De la Fuente. He said both coaches know each other’s football ideas well.

“He knows me personally, but he doesn’t know what I’m thinking about football,” Scaloni said with a grin.

“Both of us know how the other plays. Each team tries to attack, enjoy possession and become stronger with the ball. I hope Sunday’s game will be a good show and people will be entertained.”

De la Fuente also spoke kindly about his old student, saying it was a proud moment to meet in the final.

“We are great competitors, and we are happy to face each other,” he said.

“We have huge admiration for each other. Lionel Scaloni and I share many concepts, values and principles that drive our teams.”

Scaloni brushed off the idea that Argentina’s past experience in World Cup finals gives them an edge over Spain.

“Spain is a tough team,” he said.

“They have played a Euro final and a Nations League final under Luis. I don’t think it favours us because we have played a World Cup final before.”

Scaloni led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar. De la Fuente has taken Spain to the UEFA Euro 2024 and UEFA Nations League victory, making both coaches successful in international football.

Sunday’s final will see a teacher and former student fight for football’s biggest prize. Their mutual respect is expected to return after the game ends.