Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni, master and pupil set for World Cup final | OneFootball

Spain against Argentina in the World Cup final carries a rich subplot, with Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni, teacher and former pupil, set to face off on Sunday, 19 July. Alongside Lamine Yamal against Leo Messi, the dugout duel takes centre stage.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, their friendship began in 2017 when De la Fuente taught on a coaching course attended by Scaloni at Las Rozas. They have stayed in touch, even talking football on the journey after the World Cup draw. Both were keen to meet for the title, and De la Fuente said a final with Argentina would delight him given his bond with Scaloni, whom he praised as a master.

Scaloni welcomed Spain’s progress, saying Luis deserved it and had always helped him. He quipped he would call depending on the outcome, not if Argentina won, and if they lost he would try to lend a hand, ideally after the final.

The Argentine took charge in 2018, a year after that course, and in 2024 he credited De la Fuente for guidance and wished him well. Under Scaloni, Argentina have lifted two Copas América, a World Cup and a Finalíssima.

De la Fuente has stressed that managing people matters beyond tactics, selecting those who fit the idea and add on a human level, and he has voiced admiration for Scaloni’s approach and character. He became Spain coach in 2022 after a decade with the youth sides, winning a Euros and a Nations League.

Despite years in charge of two heavyweights, they have not met until now. On Sunday, friendship will step aside, with Scaloni, who lives in Spain and has Spanish family, saying Argentina will try to beat La Roja.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo