Argentina captain Lionel Messi in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Lionel Scaloni says he wants this Argentina team to be immortalised as a side that "never gave up", as he prepares the reigning champions to face an industrious Switzerland in Saturday’s blockbuster FIFA World Cup quarter-final.
The defending champions cruised through the group stage of the 2026 global showpiece but have since been pushed to their absolute limits by Cape Verde and Egypt in the gruelling knockout rounds. The South Americans are now unbeaten in 11 World Cup fixtures as they seek to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy.
However, a massive examination awaits in Kansas City against a well-drilled Swiss outfit. Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, Scaloni insisted that supporting La Albiceleste is fundamentally a matter of pure passion.
"I would like this national team to be remembered as a team that never gave up," the 48-year-old head coach reflected, admitting he became emotional after witnessing a young fan's display of support.
