The heartbeat of Argentine football quickens this Sunday as the Superclásico returns. River Plate versus Boca Juniors is always monumental, but this early 2026 edition carries a unique, historic weight: multiple world champions will line up on both sides, fresh from conquering the globe with the "Scaloneta."

The pre-match tension was palpable this Friday as two of those champions, Gonzalo Montiel (River) and Leandro Paredes (Boca), shared a press conference. Under the gaze of club presidents Juan Román Riquelme and Stefano Di Carlo, the focus turned to two classic controversies: the referee and the pitch.

Montiel was firm in his defense of official Darío Herrera, calling for "a little more respect." Paredes, now captain of Boca, took a more philosophical view, chalking up potential errors to the unintentional chaos of the game. On the state of the Monumental's grass, both stars struck a pragmatic tone, agreeing that while not ideal, the conditions would be the same for everyone—no excuses.

Despite a deep friendship forged in national team glory, any notion of a friendly bet was swiftly dismissed. "We’ve known each other since we were kids, but on Sunday we’re rivals," Montiel stated. Paredes echoed the competitive spirit, expressing pleasure at facing former teammates but emphasizing his return to Boca was for nights like this: "It’s one of the most important matches of our careers."

Paredes arrives with a Boca side in form, citing his own personal maturity, though he lamented the absence of traveling fans. Montiel, meanwhile, is fueled by the "adrenaline" of a packed home stadium ready to erupt. For these world champions, the ultimate stage has shifted from Qatar to Núñez. The hunger for glory remains, but now the mission is to impose their class on the most intense home turf of all.