Mates, mate and freedom - how Argentina got the best out of Messi
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Messi broke down in tears after Argentina's 3-2 comeback against Egypt, having missed a penalty — his emotion came from relief at not letting teammates down, with this potentially his last World Cup
- Scaloni built team culture around mate drinking, barbecues, and truco card games, telling reporters: "I coach for this, not because I like a 4-3-3"
- Rodrigo De Paul formed a close bond with Messi after noticing him leave training subdued — the two share mate every morning in De Paul's room under a strict arrival order, with De Paul calling him "El Pequeno" despite Messi being the oldest
- Argentina have won their past three semi-finals and lifted four trophies this cycle: two Copa Americas, a World Cup, and a Finalissima
- Messi leads the World Cup scoring with 10 direct goal involvements — matching his 2022 mark — alongside only Kylian Mbappe as players with 10+ direct goal involvements across two different World Cups
- Scaloni gives Messi positional freedom, letting him shift from the right flank against Egypt to central against Switzerland, with De Paul instructed to exploit the space Messi vacates
- The squad's anthem "La Cuarta Estrella" is dedicated to Messi, with lyrics explicitly referencing the Falklands, Maradona, and "Leo's last outing" — led by De Paul after every win
Why it matters: Scaloni's flexible system — letting Messi choose positioning while the team adapts — has produced 10 goal involvements and an undefeated run to the semi-finals. With the squad anthem invoking the Falklands and this likely Messi's final World Cup, Argentina's emotional machinery now collides with the highest-stakes match of the tournament.
