Siempre te voy a querer

Chapter 96

As the teams made their way to the locker rooms after the final training session, Isa stayed close to Jimmy, listening attentively as he talked through his strategy for the upcoming match.

"Tengo que hacer algunos cambios para la segunda mitad," Jimmy mused aloud, looking at Isa for her thoughts.

Isa nodded in agreement. "Claro, dependiendo de cómo se desarrolle la primera mitad, podríamos necesitar ajustar la formación o hacer sustituciones estratégicas."

Jimmy nodded, appreciating her input, and together they followed the team into the locker room. Inside, most of the players were already shirtless, preparing for the match. Jimmy quickly gathered everyone into a circle, including the staff, standing in the middle as the players draped their arms over each other's shoulders. Isa found herself between Kevin and Jorge, feeling the warmth and camaraderie of the team. Jorge's hand rested lightly on her shoulder, while Kevin's hand was on her back, a comforting presence.

Jimmy began his speech, his voice steady and encouraging. "Muy bien, muchachos. Hemos trabajado duro para llegar hasta aquí, y sé que cada uno de ustedes tiene lo necesario para dejar todo en el campo. Esta es nuestra oportunidad de demostrar lo que somos capaces de hacer. Recuerden que no solo jugamos por nosotros mismos, sino por todos los que nos apoyan. Mantengan la cabeza alta, jueguen con el corazón y, sobre todo, disfruten del partido."

The players listened intently, nodding along with Jimmy's words, their faces determined and focused. As he finished, they all put their hands in the center of the circle. "¡Vamos, México!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the locker room.

Isa grabbed the clipboard and a pen, ready to assist Jimmy and Manuel as they moved outside to the field. As they stepped out, they were met by Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's coach, and his staff. The two coaches exchanged smiles and handshakes.

"Hola, Jaime," Scaloni greeted warmly, his Argentine accent thick. "Espero que hoy tengamos un buen partido. Es un honor enfrentarnos a tu equipo."

Jimmy returned the smile and handshake. "Igualmente, Lionel. Sé que será un desafío, pero esos son los mejores partidos, ¿no?"

"Sin duda," Scaloni agreed. "Nos preparamos bien para este encuentro. Veo que tú también estás listo para lo que venga."

Jimmy nodded. "Así es. Siempre es un placer competir a este nivel. Espero que ambos equipos puedan mostrar su mejor fútbol hoy."

Scaloni chuckled lightly. "Claro, y que gane el mejor."

They continued their friendly banter as they waited for the players to come out, both coaches respectful yet subtly competitive, each hoping for a victory but also appreciative of the high-level competition.
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As the coaches and staff settled into their seats on the sidelines, they watched the players who were in the starting lineup come out onto the field. The starting eleven for Mexico were Memo, Kevin , César , Johan, Gallardo, Edson, Luis Chávez, Sebastián, Alexis, Uriel, and Jiménez. Argentina's starting lineup featured Emiliano, Nahuel, Otamendi, Lisandro, Tagliafico, De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo, Messi, Lautaro, and Di María.

The bench players for both teams sat patiently, some bouncing their legs with anticipation, others stretching their limbs, eager for the match to begin. They watched as their teammates lined up in the tunnels, ready to step out onto the pitch. Mexico's captain, Memo Ochoa, and Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, led their teams, exchanging a friendly handshake in the tunnel.

"Buena suerte," Messi said with a grin, his voice calm and confident.

"Lo mismo para ti," Memo replied, smiling back. "Será un buen partido."