Argentina boss reveals truth over mysterious Lionel Messi video before World Cup final

Messi addressed the squad ahead of kick-off on Sunday (Picture: Getty)

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni had dismissed suggestions of any internal conflict within the squad after the emergence of a viral video featuring Lionel Messi addressing the group ahead of the World Cup final.

La Albiceleste were chasing back-to-back World Cup triumphs but were beaten by Spain in a bad-tempered finale in New Jersey on Sunday.

In the chaos that followed the final whistle, a video emerged of Messi delivering a pep talk to his teammates from deep within the MetLife Stadium as they make their way out of their changing room.

‘Come on, guys, calm down. The main thing is that we stay calm,’ Messi was heard saying. ‘Let’s forget everything. Let’s just play. Let’s just focus on playing, guys.’

The clip has been the subject of growing speculation on social media. While Messi’s words may have been a defiant response to talk of favouritism for Argentina in the lead-up to the finale, others have theorised it could have been something deeper with some of his teammates visibly emotional during the speech.

Head coach Scaloni returned to his homeland today, speaking to journalists from his car for the first time since Sunday’s devastating defeat.

‘I don’t look at social media. I don’t know anything. I have no idea what you’re talking about,’ Scaloni said when quizzed on the video.

Este video de Messi en la previa de la final hablando de "olvidar todo lo que pasó"… 😳🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/4q6d755UHh— Fútbol Fichajes (@FutboolFichajes) July 20, 2026

But when asked if the squad was united or if there was any ‘internal conflict’, TYC Sports report Scaloni ‘jumped out of his car’ to emphatically respond: ‘I can’t believe what you’re asking me. We’re going in a completely different direction, guys

‘The important thing is that the guys have given their all, they’ve shown character with this jersey, and we should focus on that. Hopefully, tomorrow, when a player has to come to the national team, it won’t matter. Because it’s a sign.’

Messi was in tears as Spain celebrated (Picture: Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Messi, now 39, scored eight goals in the tournament before being shut out by Spain in New Jersey.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was also instrumental in the comeback victories over Egypt and England, coming within touching distance of another World Cup having won the trophy for the first time in Qatar in 2022.