In a memorable moment during the World Cup, experience spoke volumes in the Argentina national team’s press room.
The legendary journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez, 91 years old and covering his 18th World Cup, managed to do what most reporters try and fail to do: get coach Lionel Scaloni to reveal a crucial lineup detail.
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For the match against Jordan, Lionel Messi will start on the bench, information the coach admitted he would not have given to anyone else except the veteran journalist.
The show of respect for Márquez began even before his question, when he was applauded by his fellow journalists in the room.
With good humor and confidence, he got straight to the point:
“I want to ask two questions that will sum up this entire press conference, and my colleagues are going to kill me. But I want you to answer! The first is: Is Messi playing? And the other is: how are you going to set up the team?”
Scaloni’s response broke with the usual protocol of keeping the lineup secret.
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Clearly moved, the Argentine coach paid tribute to the journalist before confirming Messi’s absence from the starting eleven:
“Before I answer you, Enrique, it’s a pleasure for me that you’re asking the question, it’s a pleasure to see you here. Thank you for coming! We’re now talking about 18 World Cups. Incredible! (…) When I played in Argentina, I saw you all the time. And every time you spoke, it was an inspiration for us. And it still is! I’m only going to answer the question because it’s you! Otherwise I’d dodge it! I’m only answering because you deserve it!”
To cap off the moment, Scaloni made a point of hugging Márquez at the end of the press conference.
🏆 Who is Enrique Macaya Márquez?
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The Argentine journalist is a true living encyclopedia of world football. He holds the record, recognized by FIFA itself, for the highest number of consecutive coverages of the sport’s biggest tournament.
His journey is intertwined with World Cup history:
1958 (Sweden): He made his World Cup debut, witnessing up close Pelé’s “birth” onto the global football stage.
The Maradona Era: He covered Argentina’s first World Cup title on home soil (1978) and followed Diego Maradona’s definitive crowning in Mexico (1986).
The Messi Era: At 88, he was in Qatar to witness Lionel Messi lift the trophy for the long-awaited third world title.
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Historic Milestone: Now, in the United States, he reaches the remarkable mark of 18 World Cups, cementing himself as one of the most respected and iconic voices in sports journalism in South America.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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