Argentina debunks conspiracy theories with tunnel video

The Argentina national team has debunked conspiracy theories about their recent successes with a never-before-seen video from the tunnel before their match against Spain (1-0, July 19, 2026). The footage, released by ESPN and A24, shows the team's tactical and mental preparation before the game, contradicting rumors that their victories are the result of prearranged agreements.

What happened in the tunnel?

The video captures the moments before Argentina took the field at MetLife Stadium. Captain Lionel Messi led the team with a clear message: "Stay calm. Just think about playing, forget about everything. Just play." His goal was to shield his teammates from external pressure and the rumors surrounding the team.

How did Argentina prepare for the match?

In the tunnel, the tension turned into an intense tactical debate. Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez and Cristian "Cuti" Romero analyzed how to neutralize Spain's offensive threat, especially Lamine Yamal. "It's two against one. If you go out wide, Lamine Yamal is going to press you," the goalkeeper warned. Lisandro Martínez also participated, alerting about the forward's diagonal movements.

What did Scaloni say?

The images also show Lionel Scaloni giving key instructions. Messi conveyed a directive from the coaching staff: "When they go by, tell Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernández not to push forward," to avoid imbalances in midfield. The Argentina national team, with a recent record of 4 wins and 1 loss in their last five matches, demonstrated their professional focus and team mentality.