Luis de la Fuente was Lionel Scaloni's teacher in the UEFA Pro course that the RFEF held in Las Rozas in 2017. Now, they face each other in the final of the 2026 World Cup with Spain and Argentina as rivals.
The Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas was the setting where, in 2017, a young Lionel Scaloni came to train as a coach. There, among notes and boards, he met Luis de la Fuente, who taught tactics and game systems. Eight years later, both sit on the benches for the final of the 2026 World Cup contested by Spain and Argentina.
The bond between the two coaches transcends the professional. As Ginés Meléndez, then director of the RFEF coaching school, recalled, Scaloni stood out from day one: he always sat in the front row, asked questions constantly, and showed an unusual dedication. So much so that he finished the course with one of the five best academic records in the institution's history.
From the Board to the MetLife Stadium Pitch
The teacher-student relationship evolved into a friendship that has endured over the years. After winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Scaloni met De la Fuente again at a FIFA gathering and did not hesitate to share with him the keys to his success. "He was generous with me, he gave me advice that helped me a lot," the Riojan coach has confessed on more than one occasion.
Both coaches share a similar path: they were full-backs during their playing days, managed the youth teams of their national sides, and reached the senior team surrounded by skepticism. De la Fuente, who took over in 2022 after the European Championship, has built a solid block that has achieved consecutive victories. Scaloni, for his part, already knows what it is like to lift a World Cup trophy.
"It is a pride to face him. I have enormous affection for him and infinite respect," the Argentine declared ahead of the match.
Affection Set Aside for Tactical Battle
The final, taking place this Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in New York, will test that friendship. Both have set aside hugs to focus on tactics. De la Fuente has praised Scaloni's ability to read matches, while the Argentine has highlighted the defensive solidity and verticality of the current Spain team.
For fans in the Community of Madrid, the match has an extra incentive: the connection to Las Rozas, where Scaloni trained, and the presence of players like Lamine Yamal or Rodri, who have been key in Spain's journey to the final. The Spanish national team is seeking its second World Cup title after 2010, while Argentina defends the title won in Qatar.
The match is scheduled for 21:00 Spanish time and will be broadcast live on RTVE. Whatever the outcome, the story of the teacher and student reuniting at the pinnacle of world football will remain in memory.
And as the saying goes, those who had a good teacher retain some of their wisdom. Or at least, that is what the Spanish fans hope.
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