Lionel Scaloni, head coach of the Argentine national football team, affirmed that 'the Tango' never gives up ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup, early Sunday in Kansas City.

The defending champions cruised through the group stage but faced stiff resistance from Cape Verde and Egypt in the Round of 32 and Round of 16.

The South American side has now gone 11 matches unbeaten in the World Cup, as they seek to become the first team to retain the title since Brazil in 1962.

Speaking at a press conference before the match at Arrowhead Stadium, Scaloni said: 'Encouraging Argentina is about passion, and as a team we never give up.'

The Argentine coach revealed that he was deeply moved after seeing a young child express support for the players, adding: 'We, the coaching staff and players, play football for this, not just for winning. When you experience those heartfelt moments, it's an incredible feeling. Seeing a ten-year-old say these things with such passion, and everyone chanting for Argentina, is very touching. That is the legacy I want.'

The quarterfinal at Arrowhead Stadium will take Lionel Messi back to the venue where he scored a hat-trick in Argentina's opening match of this edition, a 3–0 win over Algeria.

The Inter Miami forward is tied with France's Kylian Mbappé on eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot, while also becoming the all-time leading World Cup scorer with 21 career goals, one ahead of the Spanish Real Madrid striker.

Scaloni stressed that his star remains the best as long as he wants, adding: 'Messi is 39 years old. Some might think he can no longer rise to the challenge, but I've said before: as long as he wants, he will remain the best. I don't say this because I coach him, but because I believe if he wants, he will continue to be the best.'

He continued: 'We who see him train, who watch him do amazing things today, cannot even imagine how he was at 23, when he was at Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.'

Scaloni noted that Switzerland, with their influential captain Granit Xhaka, will be a tough opponent in the quarterfinals, stating: 'They have a long World Cup history. They have physically strong, experienced players. They are tough, so it will certainly be a difficult match. We respect them greatly, as we do all opponents. They eliminated Colombia, who had been playing brilliantly in this tournament.'

If Argentina beats Switzerland, they will face the winner of the England vs. Norway match in the semifinals, while Spain will meet France in that round in Dallas.