IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Maria Lysaker
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Argentina v Austria - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - June 22, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez react
While most of the stories coming out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have surrounded happenings on the field as the tournament nears the knockout round, it’s the stories off the field that have been truly incredible.
Take, for instance, the former Peace Corps member who was reunited with a student from Cape Verde more than 30 years later as the tiny African nation makes an improbable run through the tournament.
Then there’s 91-year-old Argentinian journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez, who went viral seemingly overnight thanks to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
Enrique Macaya Márquez Is Covering His 18th FIFA World Cup At 91 Years Old
The inaugural World Cup was held all the way back in 1930, and this year’s tournament is the 23rd edition. For 18 of those 23, Macaya Marquez has been in attendance, covering the legendary Albiceleste team.
That includes this year’s edition, where Macaya Marquez, at 91 years old, was recently praised for his question to Scaloni ahead of Argentina’s final match in Group J, which the reigning world champions have already clinched the top spot in.
Macaya Marquez asked Scaloni if Argentine superstar Lionel Messi would play in the match against Jordan, given that Argentina has already secured its spot in the round of 32. He then stated that Scaloni “was free to choose not to answer,” but the manager did so glowingly.
Lionel Scaloni: “ES UN PLACER PARA MÍ PODER RESPONDER UNA PREGUNTA SUYA. La contesto porque es usted, que disfrute del Mundial”.
Enrique Macaya Márquez: “Con eso me basta”.
Hermoso este intercambio. ❤️🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Z466Ia2UEI
— Sudanalytics (@sudanalytics_) June 26, 2026
“Leo is going to the bench. But I’m answering you because it’s you; otherwise, I might have dodged the question,” Scaloni said with a smile after telling Macaya Marquez that he’d had a major impact on his life when he’d played in Argentina.
Since then, the interaction has blown up on social media with fans on X and Instagram praising the legendary journalist.
Argentina would’ve been considered one of the favorites to win the tournament regardless, after doing so in 2022. But it’s hard to argue that the vibes around the team are incredible right now, given Messi’s historic run, the team’s seemingly easy path through the bracket, and the incredible moment with Macaya Marquez.
Could La Albiceleste become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win the World Cup in back-to-back tries? Let us know what you think in the comments below!