The FIFA World Cup final will feature more than a battle between Spain and Argentina.
It will also reunite two coaches whose relationship began in a classroom nearly a decade ago, when Spain manager Luis de la Fuente helped train a young Lionel Scaloni during his coaching education.
Nine years after sharing teacher-and-student roles at the Spanish Football Federation’s training headquarters in Las Rozas, the pair will stand on opposite sides of the touchline in New York with the world title at stake.
Scaloni’s Time as a Student in Spain
Before becoming one of international football’s most successful managers, Scaloni was among the participants in a UEFA coaching programme held in Spain in 2017.
The former Argentina defender, then working as part of Jorge Sampaoli’s coaching staff at Sevilla, enrolled to earn his UEFA A Licence before progressing to the Pro Licence.
The course brought together several former professional footballers, including Javier Saviola, Walter Pandiani, Fernando Redondo, future Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, and Spain women’s coach Montse Tomé.
De la Fuente, who was then working within Spain’s youth national team structure, served as one of the instructors guiding the aspiring coaches.
De la Fuente Recalls an Outstanding Student
Reflecting on Scaloni’s time in the classroom, De la Fuente described the Argentine as someone who stood out immediately because of his eagerness to learn.
According to the Spain coach, Scaloni regularly sat at the front of the class, constantly asking questions, offering ideas, and engaging in thoughtful discussions.
He praised his former pupil’s curiosity, willingness to debate football concepts, and determination to improve, qualities he believes helped shape Scaloni’s future success as a manager.
De la Fuente also recalled the friendly but competitive atmosphere among the students, noting that while many had enjoyed distinguished playing careers, everyone entered the classroom as equals focused on learning.
Shared Rise Through National Team Ranks
Speaking before the tournament, De la Fuente highlighted the similarities between his own career path and Scaloni’s.
Rather than stepping directly into senior national team roles, both men climbed through development positions before earning their respective promotions.
He credited persistence and hard work for their achievements, saying neither manager had been handed success and both had built their reputations through years of dedication.
From Coaching Diplomas to International Glory
Scaloni officially received his UEFA Pro Licence in early 2018.
By the end of that same year, he had been placed in temporary charge of Argentina’s national team, a decision that faced significant criticism at the time.
Among his critics was Diego Maradona, who questioned Scaloni’s readiness for the role.
Despite the skepticism, Scaloni transformed Argentina into one of world football’s dominant forces, guiding the team to consecutive Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup crown.
De la Fuente has enjoyed a similarly impressive rise, taking charge of Spain’s senior national team and leading them to victory at UEFA Euro 2024.
Long-Awaited Meeting Finally Arrives
The two managers had been expected to meet in the Finalissima between the European and South American champions, but that fixture was cancelled earlier this year.
Instead, their reunion will now come in football’s biggest match, adding another compelling storyline to the World Cup final.
Mutual Respect Defines the Occasion
Despite preparing to compete for the sport’s greatest prize, both coaches have spoken warmly about one another.
Scaloni praised De la Fuente as an outstanding person and coach, adding that many of the qualities displayed by Spain are ones he admires and would like his own team to emulate.
For De la Fuente, seeing a former student reach the pinnacle of international football has been a source of pride.
Their upcoming encounter represents not only a contest between two elite national teams but also the remarkable journeys of a mentor and his former pupil, whose careers have now brought them together on the world’s biggest football stage.
