When Lionel Messi made his World Cup debut for Argentina in 2006, his teammate was Lionel Scaloni. When he did not win the World Cup, he failed to win the Copa America final twice, and when Argentina quickly withdrew from the 2018 World Cup, Lionel Messi announced his retirement.
Messi should not retire from international football, break the announced retirement and come back again - that is the desire of the fans. From Argentina to fans all over the world, one word was chanted, 'Come back Leo'. Even the head of government of Argentina could not make Messi change his mind.
But what magic Lionel Scaloni knows! He met Messi. Maybe he meant something. Then the situation changed. Messi came back from retirement. Everyone knows the story after that.
Lionel Scaloni has been inextricably linked to Lionel Messi's entire career - as a team-mate on Messi's debut, bringing him back from retirement and as the mastermind behind his latest World Cup victory
Scaloni was a right back or right midfielder as a footballer. He spent most of his life playing for the Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna. Apart from Deportivo La Coruna, Scaloni also played for Lazio and Atalanta during his playing career.
He played a total of 258 matches in 12 seasons in La Liga for three clubs. Scored 15 goals. As a player, he was also a part of the Argentina team in the 2006 World Cup.
There is a difference of opinion on whether Scaloni can be called successful as a footballer. But everyone has to accept that he is successful as a coach. At least after winning the World Cup.
On 11 October 2016, Scaloni joined Sevilla FC as an assistant to coach Jorge Sampaoli. When Sampaoli was appointed Argentina coach in June 2017, Scaloni was again appointed as his assistant.
After the debacle in the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed as the interim coach. Everyone was surprised when Scaloni, who had no experience of coaching a club, was given the job. Many doubted Scaloni's ability. But Scaloni shut everyone's mouth. Argentina won the 2021 Copa America. He won the World Cup this time.
After Argentina's failure at the World Cup in Russia, Scaloni and Pablo Aimer were appointed as interim coaches until the end of the year. Under Scaloni's training, Argentina won the Copa America by beating Brazil 1-0 in 2021. Argentina won the trophy for the first time in 28 years.
Scaloni said that he does not listen to criticism. He said, 'When I took responsibility, criticism is normal. But as the coach of Argentina, I had nothing on my mind except the team. I did my job. I gave my best. I don't mind any criticism.'
Argentina returned to the rhythm after losing to Saudi Arabia in the first match of the World Cup. Messi kept that rhythm in the final as well. Scaloni hoped that his team would leave the field after winning the World Cup. He said, 'I hope they get the happiness they deserve. The footballers gave their all. I hope to leave the field after winning the World Cup. I want to make everyone proud.' That's it. Messi won. Scaloni won.
108.061 SRY