91-year-old journalist lands biggest World Cup scoop by asking Lionel Scaloni a question he usually avoids
Enrique Macaya Marquez, the famous 91-year-old Argentinian journalist, is making headlines as he covers his 18th World Cup this summer. Since his first World Cup in 1958, where a young 17-year-old Pelé burst onto the scene, Macaya has reported on every tournament in football’s biggest event.
He’s seen Argentina lift the trophy three times—in 1978, 1986, and 2022—and was recently recognized with the world record for the most World Cups covered by a journalist during the Qatar tournament.
Talking about the next World Cup in 2026, Marquez shared, “I feel like I have to keep doing this. I’m not sure how much longer, but I’ll make the most of the ones I have left.”
Everyone respects this veteran reporter, including Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni. When they met at a press conference before a match, Scaloni was clearly impressed and even answered a question he usually wouldn’t—because it came from Marquez.
Marquez said, “I want to ask two questions that sum up this whole press conference, and my colleagues might not like it. But I want you to answer. First, is Messi playing? And second, how will you set up the team?”
Scaloni, touched by Marquez’s presence, confirmed that Lionel Messi wouldn’t start in their game against Jordan.
“Before I answer, Enrique, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Eighteen World Cups—that’s amazing,” Scaloni said. “When I was a player in Argentina, I always saw you, and your words inspired us then and still do now. I’m only answering because it’s you; otherwise, I’d probably avoid it.”
He added, “Messi will not start.”
Scaloni then explained his plan for Messi, who is currently the top scorer of the World Cup with five goals: “Leo will probably come on in the second half. We agreed it was better this way, but it also helps him stay in good form.”
He continued, “Who plays tomorrow doesn’t decide who plays next. Jordan is a tough team, and our goal is to control the ball and dominate the game.”
Scaloni also noted, “Their forwards are fast, so we need to be careful.”