Gabriel Batistuta comments on Argentina's World Cup hopes and Messi‑Maradona debate

Former Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about his country's World Cup campaign, noting that the players remain humble despite being reigning champions and praising coach Lionel Scaloni for fostering a strong relationship with the squad. He predicted a repeat France‑Argentina final, mentioned the selection dilemma between forwards Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, and declined to pick a side in the Messi‑versus‑Maradona question. Batistuta also revealed that he never truly enjoyed playing football because of pain and pressure, now lives a rural life in Reconquista and occasionally joins FIFA Legends events.

"The team is happy with him," he said of Scaloni.