CORNERFLICK
After eight years in charge of the Argentina national team, Lionel Scaloni has overseen one of the most successful eras in the history of La Albiceleste, winning four major titles and leading the team to its second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
Scaloni first took charge of Argentina on September 8, 2018, in an international friendly against Guatemala. At the time, his appointment was met with widespread skepticism due to his lack of top-level managerial experience. However, the results that followed would silence the critics and reshape expectations.
Under Scaloni, Argentina have played 103 matches, recording 76 wins, 18 draws, and just 9 defeats—an outstanding record that reflects the team's remarkable consistency during his tenure.
One of Scaloni's greatest achievements was guiding Argentina to a historic 36-match unbeaten run, the longest in the national team's history. That streak came to an end with a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in Argentina's opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but La Albiceleste recovered in spectacular fashion and went on to lift the World Cup trophy.
Scaloni has now won four major titles with Argentina and has become the country's first head coach since Carlos Bilardo to reach two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals.
Should Argentina defeat Spain, Scaloni would become only the second head coach in football history to win the FIFA World Cup twice. The only manager to have achieved this feat remains Vittorio Pozzo, who guided Italy to back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 1934 and 1938.
Scaloni's success extends far beyond trophies and results. He has masterfully overseen Argentina's generational transition, developing players such as Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister into indispensable figures for the national team.
By restoring Argentina's footballing identity, strengthening the bond between the players and the supporters, and building a team with an unbreakable winning mentality, Scaloni has established himself as one of the most influential and accomplished coaches in the history of Argentine football.