Scaloni vows to call Spain boss De la Fuente if Argentina lose to England in World Cup semi-final

Lionel Scaloni has promised to call Spain manager Luis de la Fuente with tactical advice for the World Cup final — but only if Argentina lose to England in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Spain secured their place in Sunday’s final with a 2-0 win over France on Tuesday, setting up a potential all-European decider should Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions prevail.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Scaloni was candid about the bond he shares with De la Fuente. “I’m happy for Luis, he deserves it, he’s a great guy. He always helped me,” the Argentina coach said. “Will I call him? Depending on how we do, I’ll call him. If we win, no. If we lose, I’ll try to give him a hand. But hopefully, I won’t have to call him until after the final.”

De la Fuente, for his part, admitted he would welcome a final against Argentina precisely because of that friendship with Scaloni. “I’d love to play against Argentina because of my friendship with Scaloni, but England would also be a very tough opponent,” the Spain manager said. He also noted the historic nature of the last-four line-up: “The top four teams in the FIFA rankings have reached the semi-finals for the first time ever.”

Lionel Messi added to the sense of occasion by reflecting on what a match against England means to him personally. The 39-year-old has faced virtually every major footballing nation in his international career — but never England. “Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive,” Messi said. “Playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.”

The winner of Wednesday’s clash in Atlanta will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.