Lionel Scaloni says he wants this Argentina team to be immortalised as a side that “never gave up”, as he prepares the reigning champions to face an industrious Switzerland in Saturday’s blockbuster FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

The defending champions cruised through the group stage of the 2026 global showpiece but have since been pushed to their absolute limits by Cape Verde and Egypt in the gruelling knockout rounds. The South Americans are now unbeaten in 11 World Cup fixtures as they seek to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy.

However, a massive examination awaits in Kansas City against a well-drilled Swiss outfit. Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, Scaloni insisted that supporting La Albiceleste is fundamentally a matter of pure passion.

“I would like this national team to be remembered as a team that never gave up,” the 48-year-old head coach reflected, admitting he became emotional after witnessing a young fan’s display of support.

“We, the technical staff, and the players — we play football for this. We do not play football just for a win. And then when you see those things that come out of our heart, this is just outstanding. When you see a ten-year-old saying those things and talking with that passion, and everyone shouting ‘Argentina’, that is just so emotional. That is the legacy that I want.”

Saturday’s quarter-final returns Lionel Messi to the scene of his spectacular opening-match hat-trick, which anchored a clinical 3-0 victory over Algeria. The Inter Miami forward currently sits level with France’s Kylian Mbappé on eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot, whilst extending his record as the leading scorer in World Cup history with 21 career goals.

Messi’s tournament tally could be even more formidable had he not uncharacteristically missed two penalties. However, Scaloni vehemently rejected any suggestion that he would strip spot-kick duties away from his inspirational skipper.

“It wouldn’t even cross my mind to go and tell him not to take the next penalty. Let him do whatever he wants,” Scaloni insisted. “We have players who can take them, but he’ll take it if he wants to, and if not, that’s up to him. Let him do whatever he wants out on the pitch.”

The Argentina boss added that the 39-year-old talisman will remain at the absolute pinnacle of world football for as long as he desires.

“At 39 years of age, some people might think he may not rise to the challenge, but I’ve said before that for as long as he wants, he will be the best,” Scaloni said. “I’m not saying that because I’m coaching him, but rather because I think if he wants to, he will continue to be the best.

“Those of us who see him train, those of us who see him doing things today cannot even imagine what he was like when he was 23 years of age, when he was back at Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.”

Scaloni warned that a resilient Switzerland side, anchored by their influential captain Granit Xhaka, will present a massive hurdle in the final four chase.

“They have a long-standing history in World Cups,” he added. “They have very experienced players and they are physically strong. It will be a tough opponent, that is for sure. We respect them very much, as we do all our opponents. They eliminated a Colombia side that had been doing exceptionally well during this tournament.”

Should Argentina navigate past the Swiss obstacle, a blockbuster semi-final clash against either England or Norway awaits.