Sunday's World Cup final showcases not only star players like Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal but also two managers, Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente, who have emerged from relative obscurity to transform their national teams. Neither manager boasts significant club experience, with Scaloni stepping up as a caretaker and De la Fuente rising from the U21 ranks. Yet, they have led Argentina and Spain to remarkable success.

Argentina, under Scaloni, ended a 25-year major tournament drought by winning the Copa America and is on the verge of a fourth consecutive title. De la Fuente, having taken over from Luis Enrique, aims to add a World Cup victory to Spain's recent European Championship success after clinching the Nations League just six months into his tenure.

In contrast, high-profile coaches like Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Mauricio Pochettino have struggled at this year's World Cup. Their appointments, while prestigious, have not translated into success:

• Tuchel faced criticism for England's semi-final exit.
• Ancelotti and Pochettino both exited in the last 16.
• Julian Nagelsmann left after Germany's disappointing performance.

These experiences raise questions about what constitutes a successful international manager today. Scaloni and De la Fuente's success stems from their focus on team spirit and trust among players. De la Fuente emphasizes a family-like atmosphere, drawing on his long history with many players.

Scaloni, while building a team around Messi, emphasizes equality among players, leading to a strong collective spirit. Tactical flexibility is another hallmark of their coaching styles. Scaloni's adaptability and De la Fuente's strategic mastery, as seen in Spain's semi-final performance against France, highlight their managerial acumen.

Ultimately, as Scaloni and De la Fuente prepare to face off, their journeys remind us that club pedigree does not guarantee success in international management.