Hours before the decisive clash between Argentina and Spain on Sunday evening at the New Jersey stadium in the World Cup final, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni finds himself in an awkward family situation that could turn the joy of a second title into a family headache.

Scaloni revealed in pre-match media statements that his Spanish wife Elisa Montero and their children, born in Mallorca, will stand by his side despite their affiliations, while his wife's family is in a state of confusion and division.

The Argentine coach said: 'My wife and children will be with us, of course. Although my wife is Spanish, she knows very well what I am going through and what I suffer, and my children know that even better,' referring to the family support he receives on his journey towards a historic achievement that could give him a second World Cup title.

Scaloni met his wife in 2008 in Mallorca, and later they had their two sons, Ian and Noah, in 2012 and 2016 on the same Spanish island, making them holders of Spanish nationality.

Despite their nationality, the two children were seen during the celebrations of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América in the United States, wearing the blue and white Argentine shirt and taking pictures with the players who won both tournaments, a scene reflecting their loyalty to their father's career.

Scaloni added in an understanding tone: 'There is also a family in Mallorca who definitely feels confused. It is a difficult situation for them, and I understand that. But in any case, they will be happy,' referring to his wife's relatives who wish for their national team to win the second world title.

Scaloni seeks to achieve a historic achievement in Argentine football by leading 'La Albiceleste' to the second consecutive title, a rare feat achieved only by a few teams in World Cup history, but this football glory may come at the expense of temporary family comfort in his in-laws' home in Mallorca.