91-year-old Argentinian journalist goes viral at World Cup

Argentina men's national football team Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez 2026 FIFA World Cup

IMAGN PHOTOS via Reuters/Maria Lysaker

Soccer – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group J – Argentina v Austria – Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA – June 22, 2026 Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez react

While most of the stories that come out of 2026 FIFA World Cup have surrounded events on the pitch as the tournament approaches the knockout round, it’s the stories off the pitch that have been truly incredible.

Take, for example, the former Peace Corps member who was reunited with a student from Cape Verde more than 30 years later, as the small African nation makes an unlikely run through the tournament.

Then there is The 91-year-old Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Márquezthat went viral seemingly overnight thanks to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.

Enrique Macaya Márquez covers his 18th FIFA World Cup at the age of 91

The initiation WC was held way back in 1930, and this year’s tournament is the 23rd edition. In 18 of these 23, Macaya Marquez has been present and covered the legendary Albiceleste team.

That includes this year’s edition, where Macaya Marquez, aged 91, was recently praised for his question to Scaloni ahead of Argentina’s final match in Group J, which the reigning world champions have already topped.

Macaya Marquez asked Scaloni if Argentine superstar Lionel Messi would play in the match against Jordan, given that Argentina have already secured their place in the Round of 16. 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 (@sudaanalytics_) June 26, 2026

“Leo goes to the bench. But I’m answering you because it’s you; otherwise I could have dodged the question,” Scaloni said with a smile after telling Macaya Marquez that he had had a big impact on his life when he had 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 have been considered one of the favorites to win the tournament regardless, having done so in 2022. But it’s hard to argue that the mood around the team is incredible right now, given Messi’s historic run, the team’s seemingly easy path through the team. fittingsand 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 attempts? Let us know what you think in the comments below!