On 27/6, coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference in Texas before the group J match between Argentina and Jordan. During the session, 91-year-old journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez rose to inquire about Lionel Messi's chances of starting. In an unprecedented move, Scaloni broke his usual protocol of keeping the lineup secret, earning applause from the entire press room, which honored the veteran reporter.

Argentina's coach expressed his honor at receiving a question from someone who has covered 18 World Cups. "I usually avoid revealing the lineup, but since it is you, I will answer. Tomorrow, Messi will be on the bench," Scaloni stated.

Upon hearing the answer, Marquez simply replied, "For me, that is enough."

After the press conference concluded, coach Scaloni stepped down from the podium to take a photo with the 91-year-old journalist. Marquez later shared this moment on his personal page, along with other photos taken with Argentine players.

Coach Lionel Scaloni poses with 91-year-old journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez – who holds the record for covering 18 World Cups – after a press conference before the group J match between Argentina and Jordan on 27/6. *Photo: Reproduçao/Instagram/@enriquemacayamarquez*

Born in 1934 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Marquez began his journalism career at 15 years old at Radio Rivadavia. In 1958, at 23, he traveled to Sweden to report on the World Cup for Radio Belgrano, marking the beginning of his long association with the prestigious tournament.

For the past 68 years, he has continuously covered World Cups, witnessing Argentina's victory in 1986 with Diego Maradona and closely following Lionel Messi's illustrious career.

Marquez has worked for Channel 7, ATC, and TyC Sports, and hosted the program Futbol de Primera from 1985-2009. He also contributed articles to major newspapers such as Noticias Graficas, Conviccion, Diario Clarin, and La Nacion. Beyond football, his reporting extended to Formula 1 races and championship defense matches for boxer Carlos Roque Monzon.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and FIFA honored him for covering the most World Cups. As he attends his 18th World Cup this year, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) continues to acknowledge his contributions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also praised his enduring career during the opening week.

Having covered sports for over 7 decades, Marquez noted that journalism has changed significantly over time. He stated, "Technology offers new interpretative perspectives, but the journalist's knowledge remains core."

When asked about the greatest player in history, the 91-year-old journalist said there is no universal measure. He explained, "I have witnessed many outstanding players prove their talent against opponents in different eras. Therefore, no single standard can determine who is the best."

By Minh Phuong (Based on reports from MARCA, Sport.NDTV, Tribuna, Lance)