From classroom to World Cup Final: Scaloni takes on his former coach

While the spotlight ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has largely been on Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, another compelling battle is set to unfold on the touchline as Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni faces his former mentor, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente.

Beyond the clash of footballing giants, Monday's final in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium will feature a fascinating tactical duel between two coaches whose relationship dates back to Scaloni's early coaching journey.

Scaloni spent a significant part of his playing career in Spain, making more than 200 appearances for Deportivo La Coruña before spells with West Ham United and Lazio. After retiring in 2017, he returned to Spain to pursue his coaching qualifications at the Spanish Football Federation's coaching centre in Las Rozas.

At the time, Luis de la Fuente, then in charge of Spain's youth national teams, was one of the instructors on the coaching programme, laying the foundation for a mentor-protégé relationship that has endured over the years.

After Argentina booked their place in the World Cup final by defeating England, Scaloni paid tribute to his former coach, praising De la Fuente's influence and Spain's impressive rise.

"I have a great relationship with Luis de la Fuente. He was my coach, and I have enormous respect for him. Spain are playing outstanding football, and he deserves congratulations," Scaloni said.

Despite that admiration, the Argentine coach made it clear that sentiment will have no place once the final begins.

"It will be difficult because we'll be playing against him, but we'll step onto the pitch with only one objective—to win," he added.

With both Argentina and Spain enjoying outstanding tournaments, Sunday's final promises more than a battle between Messi and Yamal. The tactical decisions, adjustments and in-game management of Scaloni and De la Fuente could ultimately prove decisive in determining who lifts football's biggest prize.

As the countdown to the final continues, the question extends beyond the players: Will the master prevail, or will the protégé complete his greatest lesson?