Scaloni slams FIFA scheduling before World Cup final

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has voiced frustration over FIFA's scheduling and mandatory media commitments ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, saying the defending champions were denied valuable recovery time before their showdown with Spain.

Speaking ahead of Monday's title clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Scaloni said Argentina arrived from Atlanta late at night after defeating England 2-1 in the semi-finals, only to be required to attend media events and an unscheduled training session the following day.

"We only just managed to get some rest because we arrived here around 11:00pm. But today we had to train at a time we didn't want. Due to the press conference and other official commitments, we were forced to complete a rushed session without enough time for proper tactical preparation," Scaloni told Argentine outlet TyC Sports.

Argentina also trained in the afternoon heat, a schedule the coach believes has added to the physical burden on his squad during the knockout stage.

Scaloni noted that player recovery has become the team's biggest concern after playing five matches in just 15 days. He said several members of the squad are still not fully fit, with final decisions on the starting lineup to be made after assessing their condition.

"Our focus is now entirely on recovery. Some players are not 100 percent, so we'll evaluate everyone before making decisions while staying true to our style of play," he said.

Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final, aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.