Lionel Scaloni defended Messi and humiliated a Spanish journalist during a press conference

Lionel Scaloni was involved in an exchange with a Spanish journalist during a press conference when asked about Lionel Messi's current physical condition and some opinions that have emerged in Spain regarding the Argentine captain. The coach took the opportunity to recall recent publications about the player and delivered a strong response.

The inquiry began with an acknowledgment of the level Messi maintains at 39 years old. The journalist highlighted his physical condition and asked if Scaloni found an explanation for why the captain continues to finish matches with such intensity.

In that context, the journalist expressed: "I wanted to ask you about Leo, we know he is a genius, we know he has a lot of ambition, but I wanted to ask if you have any explanation for the physical performance he is having, because he is finishing matches very well at 39 years old."

Additionally, he added a reference to the comments made in Spain about the player and clarified: "And on the other hand, if we could get a broader concept from Spain, beyond what Lamine Yamal said, which is not what all Spaniards think, by the way."

Before responding about Messi's physical condition, the Argentine coach decided to recall a publication that appeared weeks ago in a Spanish media outlet.

In a firm tone, Scaloni responded: "Well, they don't think the same about Leo, what was written in your newspaper, right?, 20 days ago, do you remember or not?"

The journalist tried to clarify the situation, and the coach of the Argentine National Team, in a neutral tone, retorted: "No, you already asked for forgiveness, you did."

However, the coach deepened his stance and pointed out the difference between the attitude of the journalist and that of the media that had published the information. "The one who wrote it should have asked me for forgiveness, but to me or to Leo?" Scaloni stated.

The exchange concluded with another remark from the native of Pujato: "Sorry for telling you this, but I take the opportunity since you are here and I tell you."