In 2018, Lionel Scaloni was appointed as manager of the Argentine national team amidst little fanfare and low public opinion. However, in just six years, he has transformed into one of the most winningest coaches in Argentina history and one of the biggest names in international football.
In 2018, Argentine soccer at the national team level was in stark contrast to its current state. Public opinion of players, including Lionel Messi, had reached an all-time low. Messi’s generation was disparagingly dubbed “The Messi Club” or “Friends Club” by the media, characterized as overrated under-performers and entitled millionaires that lacked the edge necessary to win silverware.
The 2018 World Cup seemed to be the tipping point. A disastrous campaign for the once powerhouse nation ended in the round of 16, and reports of a squad mutiny against manager Jorge Sampaoli only made things more sour.
The aftermath of the early exit saw the departure of a generation of players that had experienced multiple Copa America defeats and a World Cup final loss in 2014. Among fans, there was a widespread sentiment of “good riddance” to players like Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia, Éver Banega, and Gonzalo Higuaín.
Compounding the turmoil, no established manager — whether Marcelo Gallardo, Diego Simeone, or Mauricio Pochettino — seemed willing to take charge of the national team, as many anticipated a post-Messi era.
Amid financial challenges, the Argentine Football Association looked internally to Lionel Scaloni, then coaching the nation’s U-20s, having only six matches under his belt with a record of 4-1-1. Initially seen as an interim solution, he was granted a one-year stint as head coach, a move criticized by the media and even Diego Maradona.
Getting to Work
Scaloni inherited a national team in transition but with Messi, world soccer’s aging superstar, still at the helm. His philosophy centered on fostering unity and camaraderie among players through team bonding and ensuring clear, open communication to define each player’s role and value within the team structure. He upheld Argentina’s footballing tradition, instilling pride in representing the national team and motivating professionalism and dedication. Off the field, Scaloni adapted his leadership style to accommodate the squad’s diverse personalities, fostering a positive environment conducive to individual and team growth.
On the field, Argentina returned to basics, playing a pragmatic, straightforward style of football while integrating new talents like Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes, Marcos Acuña, and Giovani Lo Celso alongside Messi and Angel Di Maria, the team’s holdovers from World Cups past.
In his first Copa America attempt in 2019, Argentina finished a disappointing third, laying the groundwork for improvement. As the AFA stabilized financially, Scaloni was entrusted with guiding the team towards the 2022 World Cup. Despite initial low fan approval, the team showed promising signs.
Winning the Copa America and World Cup
Under Scaloni’s guidance, Argentina entered the 2021 Copa America with a blend of experienced veterans like Messi, Di Maria, and Sergio Aguero, complemented by promising youngsters such as Emiliano Martinez and Cristian Romero. Scaloni emphasized defensive solidity and effective attacking play throughout the tournament, conceding just three goals overall. The team clinched victory over Brazil in the final, marking Messi’s first major title with Argentina and highlighting growing team unity and purpose.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Argentina stumbled in their opener against Saudi Arabia but rallied with victories over Mexico and Poland, and standout performances from emerging players like Emiliano Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Enzo Fernandez built momentum into the knockout rounds. They overcame challenges against Australia, the Netherlands, and Croatia to set up a memorable final against France, ultimately triumphing 4-3 in penalties.
Scaloni’s third title with the national team marked a defining era for Argentine football, showcasing his managerial prowess and solidifying his legacy. The show of support in Argentina became unanimous with millions of people flooding the streets of Buenos Aires to greet and cheer the team upon their arrival.
Seemingly overnight, Scaloni went from low approval to a national hero, and his team earned the nickname “La Scaloneta.”
Copa America 2024
While the road to winning was a lot easier than many had anticipated, Argentina did not play well in a tournament that saw them defeat Canada twice, and play timid matches against Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. However, in the game that mattered most — the final against Colombia — the team continued its pragmatic form and was effective in containing the dangerous Colombian attack.
Scaloni, once an unwanted manager, has now secured four championships with a record of 55-6-16 with the national team. His measured yet influential approach has cemented him as one of the game’s best managers, reshaping Argentine soccer’s landscape.
Lionel Scaloni has undoubtedly carved his name among the greatest football minds of the last two decades, and is proof that being the right fit with a team is more important than a flashy name and resume.
