The intercontinental Super Cup, known as the Finalissima, was scheduled for March between the reigning Euro and Copa America champions. However, due to conflict in the Middle East and disagreements over a replacement venue, the match between Argentina and Spain could not take place. This eagerly anticipated game was seen as a symbolic clash between two generations of stars: Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

Expressing enthusiasm for a potential encounter, Coach Scaloni told Spanish newspaper AS, "If we could meet Spain in the final, I would accept. We will try our best and hope that happens."

Coach Scaloni (left) speaks with Messi during Argentina's 3/7 victory over Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, My. *Photo: AP*

To reach the final, Spain's current path requires them to overcome Belgium in the quarterfinals, then France or Morocco in the semifinals. Argentina faces a longer journey, with Egypt in the round of 16, followed by Colombia or Switzerland in the quarterfinals. If they advance to the semifinals, Scaloni's team would face England or Norway.

Scaloni noted that four or five of these highly-rated teams entered the tournament but have not yet performed as expected. He cited France's narrow one-zero victory over Paraguay and Spain's progression past Portugal with a single goal in injury time.

The Argentine coach attributed this to players having to compete in too many club matches, alongside travel demands, weather conditions, and inconsistent pitch quality across the three co-host nations: Mexico, My, and Canada. "All these factors make it difficult to identify championship contenders. No team has created a significant difference," Scaloni added.

Regarding their upcoming opponent, Egypt, Scaloni offered praise, stating that the African representative has a clear playing style, a talented coach, and many skilled players. "They have only won one match, but they always make it difficult for opponents. They will press higher than Cape Verde because they have very good attacking players," the Argentina coach said.

Egypt advanced from Group G in second place, with a one-one draw against Belgium, a three-one victory over New Zealand, and a one-one draw against Iran. In the round of 16, they drew Australia one-one over 120 minutes before winning four-two in a penalty shootout. Meanwhile, Argentina topped Group J with a three-zero win over Algeria, a two-zero win over Austria, and a three-one win over Jordan. In the round of 16, the reigning World Cup champions were twice equalized by Cape Verde but secured a three-two victory in extra time.

At this year's World Cup, Messi is shining, leading the scoring charts with seven goals, alongside Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. He has also achieved several milestones: playing the most matches (30), scoring the most goals (20), the longest consecutive scoring streak (eight), and contributing to the most goals in the knock-out rounds (12).

Messi opened the scoring in the match against Cape Verde.

Thanh Quy (according to AS)