Who Is Macaya Marquez? 91-Year-Old Legendary Argentine Journalist Covering His 18th World Cup

Legendary Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez reached another extraordinary milestone at the FIFA World Cup 2026, covering his 18th World Cup tournament at the age of 91. The veteran broadcaster was honoured by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni during the Albiceleste’s pre-match press conference ahead of their Group J clash against Jordan in Arlington, where an emotional exchange between the two became one of the standout moments of the tournament.

Macaya Marquez, who began his World Cup journey at the 1958, was invited to ask the opening question at the press conference. Before answering, Scaloni paused to acknowledge the journalist’s remarkable contribution to football.

“It’s a pleasure for me to be able to answer one of your questions. I answer it because it’s you, enjoy the World Cup,” Scaloni said. The veteran journalist smiled and replied, “That’s enough for me.”

Following the press conference, Scaloni walked over to Macaya Márquez, embraced him warmly and posed for photographs, a gesture that drew widespread praise on social media as fans celebrated two icons of Argentine football.

Will Lionel Messi Play?

Macaya Marquez’s question centred on the biggest talking point ahead of Argentina’s final Group J fixture: Will Lionel Messi feature against Jordan?

“Let me ask you, will Messi play against Jordan or not?” the 91-year-old asked.
Scaloni initially suggested that he would not normally reveal such information before a match but made an exception out of respect for the veteran journalist.

“I’d never reply to any journalist on this topic now… but it is coming from you, and so I tell you: Messi will not start,” Scaloni said. The Argentina coach then added another heartfelt tribute, saying, “I respect you too much, I’m proud to see you here.”

Legendary Career Of Macay Marquez

Enrique Macaya Marquez continues to rewrite football history at the FIFA World Cup 2026, extending his world-record streak by covering an unprecedented 18th World Cup as a journalist. At 91, the Argentine broadcasting icon remains one of the most respected voices in global football, with a career spanning nearly seven decades.

Born in Buenos Aires on November 20, 1934, Macaya Márquez began his journey in journalism at just 15, working at Radio El Mundo before making his name with Radio Rivadavia. His first World Cup assignment came in 1958, when he travelled to Sweden for Radio Belgrano, embarking on what would become an unparalleled run of covering every FIFA World Cup without missing a single edition.

His remarkable achievement was officially recognised by FIFA and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was honoured for covering a record 17 tournaments. The 2026 edition in North America has now taken that tally to 18.

Beyond his World Cup legacy, Macaya Márquez became synonymous with Argentine football through the iconic television programme Fútbol de Primera, which he hosted from 1985 to 2009. He has also worked across leading newspapers, radio stations and television networks, including Clarín, La Nación, Radio Mitre, TyC Sports and DSports.

Macaya Márquez has authored several books, including Mi Visión del Fútbol and Mis Mundiales: De Suecia 58 a Rusia 2018, documenting football’s evolution through the eras of Pelé, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, all of whom he witnessed firsthand from the World Cup press box.