Batistuta hails Argentina’s epic road to the World Cup final
The former Argentina striker said Spain arrives in form after beating France, while Argentina’s comeback route to the final stands apart.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Batistuta has given Spain its due for reaching the 2026 World Cup final, then saved the heavier praise for Argentina’s wild route there.
Speaking on Telemundo Deportes’ El Pelotazo in a segment posted July 16, the former Albiceleste goal scorer said Spain comes into the final in strong shape after defeating France. Telemundo said he also highlighted the way Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side reached the match, calling attention to two comeback wins on the road to the final.
The centerpiece of that run, according to Telemundo’s coverage, was Argentina’s historic victory over England. The network’s World Cup programming described Argentina as having come from behind against England to book its place in the tournament’s deciding match.
The final sets up Spain against Argentina, with Telemundo framing Spain’s momentum around its win over France and Argentina’s around the drama of the Scaloneta’s comebacks.
Argentina’s comeback fever
Telemundo’s related World Cup coverage put the England match at the center of the day’s drama. One segment described Argentina’s comeback over England as the standout moment, while another said Argentina had survived England and that Lionel Messi would play another World Cup final.
The network also featured reaction from both sides after the semifinal. In a Telemundo clip, England coach Thomas Tuchel said Argentina took more risks and that the result was deserved. Another Telemundo headline quoted Tuchel as saying he was disappointed because England had been close but became too passive.
England captain Harry Kane’s reaction was also carried by Telemundo, with the striker saying he was devastated after the elimination.
Scaloni, Messi and a fourth-star dream
Argentina’s side of the night was packed with emotion, according to Telemundo’s World Cup videos. One clip showed Scaloni celebrating Argentina’s passage to the final, while another focused on an emotional Lautaro Martínez after the match. Telemundo quoted Lautaro as saying he had always dreamed of scoring that goal.
Scaloni also addressed the final against Spain in Telemundo’s coverage. In one segment, the Argentina coach said he hoped Spanish fans were happy Argentina had reached the final because of Messi.
Telemundo also spotlighted the bond between Messi and Scaloni, describing an embrace between them as tied to Argentina’s chase for a fourth star.
Batistuta’s verdict fit that mood: Spain has the form, Argentina has the story. According to Telemundo, the former striker credited Spain for getting past France, while pointing to Argentina’s comeback-filled march, capped by England’s exit, as something far rarer.
This story draws on original reporting from TELEMUNDO.com.