Scaloni delayed Argentina's training because of the storm in New Jersey

The Argentina national team trained this Saturday one hour later than scheduled because of the intense storm that hit New Jersey, on a key day of preparation before the final of the 2026 World Cup against Spain. Work took place on the fields of the Red Bull Academy, with Lionel Scaloni in charge and giving a glimpse of what the team could be for this Sunday’s decisive match at the MetLife Stadium.

A busy practice before the final

The schedule was changed by the weather, but the goal did not change: to arrive fully tuned for the showdown that decides the tournament. At this final stretch, every session counts double and attention is on the last adjustments from the Scaloneta before taking to the field in pursuit of back-to-back titles.

According to the context of the last few hours, Scaloni showed hints about the final starting XI. There were no official confirmations of the team, but there were signs that the coach continues tweaking details in the immediate buildup to a match that has the world watching.

• Training at the Red Bull Academy
• One-hour delay because of the storm in New Jersey
• Final preparation to play at the MetLife Stadium
• Scaloni watched and began to shape the team

The heaviest buildup

Alongside the squad's work, the buildup remains full of expectation. Messi once again sets the tone for the Argentine stage, in a final that has him back among the team's main references. On the other side will be a Spain that arrives with its own footballing weight and with statements from its coach, Luis de la Fuente, who said he is not planning an individual marking assignment on the Rosario-born star.

Luis de la Fuente: “No lo voy a marcar hombre a hombre”.

That quote helps put into perspective the place Messi occupies in the final. But from the Argentine side, the reading goes beyond a single figure: the final finds the team with a system built throughout the entire cycle and with heavy names like Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández ready to be part of the big picture if they are in the starting lineup.

What’s next for the Albiceleste

Argentina comes into this Sunday focused on finishing the job in the most important way possible. The practice delayed by the storm did not alter the overall plan, which aims to arrive with rhythm, concentration and as few doubts as possible.

Beyond the session, there was also room in the buildup for other topics surrounding the Albiceleste, from the backing of the White House after the claim over the Malvinas Islands to the historical comparisons that place this final alongside other great showdowns in world football.

• last training session before the final
• team selection by Scaloni
• Messi as the emblem of the buildup
• Lautaro, Julián and Enzo among the squad’s key weapons

With preparations already underway and the clock ticking, the Argentina national team enters the final stretch of the World Cup with one mission: arrive at MetLife fully ready to fight once again for glory.