Scaloni seeks name in history

When Lionel Scaloni took charge of the Argentina national team in 2018, the team was in tatters following their horrid showing in the World Cup in Russia. The decision was surprising considering that he had no managerial experience, and the now late Diego Maradona had said whether the Argentina FA were mad to appoint him.

From there, the 44-year-old, the youngest manager at the World Cup, has managed to turn things around and has taken Argentina to the brink of ending their seemingly endless run of suffering on the global stage.

Scaloni took a dysfunctional Albiceleste side and made them the Champions of South America in 2021, their first title in 28 years. A year later, his side downed European Champions Italy to win the Finalissima.

His side came into the World Cup with a 36-match unbeaten streak, which was broken in the very first match as Argentina suffered a shock against Saudi Arabia, a defeat which stemmed from questionable tactical choices from the coach.

But since then, Scaloni has shown his tactical astuteness in every game by changing formations and playing styles constantly to match the opponent, and also to confuse them.

The Argentina head coach, the lesser-known Lionel in their camp, has managed to create a system that accommodates their skipper Lionel Messi to function at his best despite his age, something which has seen the PSG forward provide his best years with the Albiceleste shirt, consequently resulting in the team’s better results.

If Argentina manage to win the final, Scaloni will become the third Argentinian manager to put a star on the shirt after Cesar Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, and Scaloni’s achievement might be more substantial because this was his first job as the manager of any senior side.

Scaloni’s side might not produce the beautiful football Argentina has been lauded for over decades, but his team has brought results. Tonight, all they will care about is that, like they did in Maracana a year or so earlier, when they ground out a 1-0 over Brazil to win the Copa America.

And now he stands in front of the grandest prize in World football. Scaloni though just wants to enjoy the moment.

“I am very enthusiastic. These are beautiful moments to enjoy. Although we are at the door of a final, the important thing is the journey. It’s a possibility that football and Argentina gave me. I am convinced that when you enjoy it, things taste different,” he said.