Lionel Messi with the help of Lionel Scaloni has been able to bring the World Cup back to Argentina after a 36-year gap. 44-year-old Scaloni achieved the biggest glory possible in International soccer. However, things are looking shaky for both Argentina and Scaloni as they can part ways following no agreement on his contract extension.
Lionel Scaloni was born on May 16, 1978, in Pujato, Santa Fe, Argentina. He started his playing career in Argentina for the Newell’s Old Boys, which also happened to be Lionel Messi’s first-ever club as well. Primarily occupying the right side of the defense or the midfield, Scaloni has played all around the world.
His most impressive playing spell was his eight-year stay with Deportivo La Coruna in Spain. He moved to the Spanish club in 1998, as a 20-year-old and went on to play there until 2006. Scaloni was an integral part of the 1999-2000 Deportivo La Liga winning side. He also won Copa del Rey once in 2001 and Supercopa de Espana in 2000 and 2002. Since his impressive Deportivo tenure, he has been quite a lot injury-riddled in his career.
Scaloni was angry after Lionel Messi was sent off in his first game
Lionel Scaloni took the reign of the Argentinean team back in 2018 after Jorge Sampaoli disappointed in the Russia World Cup. Scaloni eventually found success as the Argentinean boss, but it wasn’t always the case for the 44-year-old. And being such a young coach he has played a few times alongside Lionel Messi in the national team.
Scaloni talked quite a lot about his managerial career as well as his playing career, in an interview with Universo Valdano. He talked about a particular instance, where he has absolutely outraged. The story goes back to 2005 when Lionel Messi made his debut. Scaloni was selected as a starter to play for Argentina and Messi made the bench in the friendly match against Hungary. The 18-year-old came on as a 64th-minute sub for Lisandro Lopez.
Lionel Messi is Argentina’s captain, all-time appearance-maker and goalscorer.
But his international career didn’t get off to the best of starts – he was farcically sent off two minutes into his debut.pic.twitter.com/SXvKHju22U
— Planet Football (@planetfutebol) April 8, 2022
Messi was running towards the Hungary goal with defender Vilmos Vanczak getting hold of the shirt. The young Argentinean in an attempt to shrug Vanczak off caught the Hungarian in the face and was sent off on debut. And stunningly enough, all of this happened within 40 seconds of his incoming to the pitch.
Scaloni said, “I couldn’t believe it, I was outraged. It can’t be… The first pass he received from the Argentine team was mine,” talking about giving Messi the first ever pass in his Argentina colors. He added to it, “And after a minute and a half they send him off. This can’t be happening to him,” talking about Messi getting sent off in a few moments.
Why is Scaloni’s contract not renewed yet?
Lionel Scaloni has won everything with Argentina. The initial appointment of Scaloni was heavily criticized by the fans. He could only manage a third-place finish in the 2019 Copa America with a very good Argentina side. Two years later in 2021, he won the Copa America with Argentina. He also won the Finalssiomo against the Euro Cup champions Italy in the same year.
However, nothing comes close to him winning the ultimate prize in soccer, the World Cup with Argentina last month. Scaloni has proved his managerial skills by winning all these trophies. And expectedly so, European clubs are sniffing around the 44-year-old. Especially following his contract situation with the Argentine national team.
Scaloni’s contract was valid up until December 31st of last year, and he hasn’t signed a renewal yet. Although AFA president Tapia has spoken with confidence about the situation. He said, “I have no doubt he will continue as Argentina’s head coach.” Tapia added to it, “We are both men of our word. We shook hands and we said yes to each other. He is currently traveling but as soon as he comes back we are going to finalize it,” in an assuring tone.
A few reports have suggested that Scaloni already has a verbal agreement to remain as the Argentina coach till 2026. Conclusively it looks like, Scaloni will stay at Argentina after all, despite winning every possible trophy with them.
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