Argentina's tragic warm-up in the World Cup final: Scaloni's decision that would have angered Dibu and other key figures

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final added a new chapter.

Almost three weeks after the 2026 World Cup final, in which Spain was crowned champion after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time, it continues to leave plenty to talk about.

In recent hours, a new version emerged regarding what would have happened in the privacy of the Albiceleste locker room before going out to play the most important match of the tournament.

Argentina’s warm-up in the World Cup final and a subsequent problem

Everything began in the warm-up before the World Cup Final, as sports journalist Renzo Pantich revealed on the program “No podemos perder”.

According to his words, while they were warming up and getting ready for the match, three players felt "twinges"—Lisandro Martínez and Cristian "Cuti" Romero among them—something that was reported to the Argentina National Team coach, Lionel Scaloni.

Based on this information and according to Pantich's continued account, the coach would have changed his strategy taking into account—as well—the style of play that Spain had shown in the tournament and prior to the competition, since they were supposed to face each other in the Finalissima (a match that never took place).

However, due to the team's physical wear and tear, Scaloni knew he could not use the same strategy he would have used in that single-match competition.

This way, the Albiceleste coach would have proposed a more defensive game to his players for the World Cup final, something that led to an argument between members of the squad and the coaching staff.

"He proposed a tactic very similar to the one he used throughout the World Cup, which was to defend and make it to the penalty shootout… If Argentina had played a game of attack and counterattack, according to Scaloni, the Argentine national team would have conceded four goals," Pantich said.

"So he proposed playing defensively, and the conflict arose when Dibu Martínez—who was open to this discussion—told him, ‘No, I don’t agree; we have to go for it.’ Another player said, ‘We have to go on the attack, score goals—it’s a World Cup final, and we have the tools to attack’. Different issues and discussions, which ended in that Messi pep talk," he added and concluded by saying: "There were discussions—the kind typical of a coach who is open to suggestions from his players”.

These statements add to the various rumors about alleged internal disagreements and conspiracy theories surrounding the match played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. However, from within the Argentina National Team’s camp, the existence of conflicts within the group was never confirmed.

For now, everything remains in the realm of speculation. In the absence of official confirmation, the alleged incident in the locker room continues to be one of the issues that generates the most debate among fans and the football world regarding the team's state of mind before taking the field.