Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has publicly criticized FIFA's scheduling and mandatory media commitments, arguing they have compromised his team's preparation and recovery ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Spain.
The Albiceleste are on the brink of matching a historic milestone, aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles. However, Scaloni did not hide his frustration with tournament organizers after his squad arrived in New Jersey following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta.
Upon arrival, Argentina was immediately thrust into mandatory training sessions and media obligations. Speaking at an event on Friday, Scaloni expressed his discontent with the forced timing of their practices. "We are only getting a little rest now because we arrived here around 11 p.m. last night," Scaloni told Argentine sports outlet TyC Sports. "Yet today we had to train at a time we didn't want. Because of press conferences and other formalities, we had to rush through a session where there wasn't enough opportunity for tactical preparation."
The training session took place at 3:30 p.m. local time under the intense heat of the United States summer. This is not the first time the Argentina manager has complained about scheduling and player exhaustion during the knockout stages.
Prior to their round of 16 clash against Egypt, Scaloni had raised similar concerns, noting that players need more recovery time as the tournament reaches its climax, yet the opposite was happening. "We played in the intense heat of Miami, and the very next day we had to play a match at noon," Scaloni recalled. "This rest period is not ideal at all. I think Egypt got slightly more recovery time than us. The difference might not be huge, but at the end of a World Cup, rest is the most important factor."
Addressing the media ahead of Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Scaloni reiterated that overcoming physical fatigue is his team's primary challenge, as they prepare to play their fifth match in just 15 days.
When asked about the physical state of key players like Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez, Scaloni explained that the coaching staff is prioritizing recovery before making final lineup decisions. "We are now fully focusing on rest and recovery. Then the physical condition of the players will be assessed," Scaloni said. "Some in the squad are still not 100 percent fit. Decisions will be made after seeing their situation. At the same time, we will try to maintain our natural style of play, considering the opponent's strength."
If Argentina defeats Spain on Sunday, they will end a 64-year global drought since any nation last defended their World Cup crown.
