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🇦🇷 Scaloni's Pain: Can Argentina Recover? 💔

July 20, 2026 | Author

Sports

🎧 Audio Summaries
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🧠Quick Intel


  • Lionel Scaloni, following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final loss, expressed uncertainty regarding his future and stated he would discuss options with the federation president.
  • Scaloni is the most decorated manager in Argentina’s history, having secured the 2022 World Cup title, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America crowns.
  • Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, is unlikely to participate in the 2030 World Cup.
  • Spain won the 2022 World Cup final with a slim 1-0 margin, achieved by Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal.
  • Eight Argentina players started both the 2022 and 2026 World Cup finals, a significant recurring player selection.
  • Scaloni, a product of Newell’s Old Boys where Messi also played, highlighted his 2006 World Cup round of 16 victory against Mexico as his best moment for the Albiceleste.
  • Scaloni, expressing emotion, acknowledged Spain’s dominance in possession and shots during the final match, recognizing their deserved victory.

    • đź“ťSummary


    Lionel Scaloni, manager of Argentina, expressed uncertainty following the team’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2022 World Cup final. Scaloni, appointed in 2018, has achieved remarkable success, including titles in 2022 and 2024. He acknowledged Spain’s dominance throughout the match, noting their possession and shots. Scaloni, a product of Newell’s Old Boys and a two-decade veteran of Argentinian football, emphasized the difficulty of replicating the team’s success. He stated he would discuss his future with the federation president, reflecting on the team’s journey and acknowledging Spain’s deserved victory. Scaloni’s tenure represents a significant period of Argentinian footballing achievement, marked by close calls and ultimately, a poignant recognition of a team’s limitations.

    đź’ˇInsights

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    THE HEARTBREAKING CONCLUSION
    Lionel Scaloni, visibly emotional, acknowledged Argentina’s defeat in the 2023 World Cup final against Spain, expressing uncertainty about his future as manager. The loss marked the end of a remarkable run, including victories in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America tournaments, and solidified his place as the most decorated manager in Argentine football history.

    A MANAGER’S REFLECTION
    Scaloni’s appointment in 2018 was met with skepticism due to his lack of prior managerial experience, a factor he acknowledged. He stated his intention to discuss his future with the federation president, emphasizing the need for careful consideration given the magnitude of the role. Scaloni expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the support of his staff and players, recognizing the team’s immense effort, particularly in reaching consecutive World Cup finals. He acknowledged the painful nature of the defeat and the difficulty of rebuilding a successful team.

    SCALONI’S LEGACY: A RECORD-BREAKING TENURE
    Scaloni’s managerial achievements are undeniably significant, making him the second Argentinian to reach consecutive World Cup finals and the fifth of any nationality to achieve this feat, surpassing the accomplishments of Carlos Bilardo. His future plans likely involve a team substantially different from the one he has led for nearly a decade, acknowledging the inevitable changes associated with player age and performance.

    MESSI’S DECLINE AND THE CHALLENGE AHEAD
    The aging of Lionel Messi, now 39, poses a significant obstacle to sustained success. While Messi’s performance in the tournament was exceptional, his participation in future major tournaments is highly improbable. Eight Argentina players started both the 2022 and 2026 finals, indicating a need for a significant team reset, a process Scaloni recognizes as exceptionally challenging.

    RESETTING THE SHIP: A REBOOTING NEED
    Scaloni emphasized the critical need for a “reset” and “reboot” to rebuild the team, acknowledging the difficulty in recreating a winning group. This process requires a considerable investment of time and strategic planning, particularly given the current landscape of international football. The emotional weight of the defeat further complicates this undertaking.

    THE FINAL RESULT AND ACCEPTANCE
    Despite Spain’s dominance in possession and shots, Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 106th minute due to Ferran Torres’ goal. Scaloni expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging the team’s efforts to reach the final and accepting the outcome. He recognized Spain’s deserved victory, highlighting the importance of embracing reality and moving forward.

    SCALONI’S FOOTBALLING BACKGROUND
    Scaloni’s career as a player spanned two decades across Argentina, Spain, Italy, and briefly England, although he made only seven appearances for the senior national team. His most memorable moment was starting and playing the entire 2006 World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico, a 2-1 victory for Argentina. He is a product of Newell’s Old Boys, the same club that shaped Messi’s early career.

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