Introduction: The Unexpected Architect
When Lionel Scaloni was handed the reins of Argentina’s national football team in August 2018, it felt less like a long-term vision and more like a desperate stopgap. The Albiceleste had just suffered another major disappointment at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, crashing out in the Round of 16 against France. Jorge Sampaoli was gone, the dressing room looked fractured, and Lionel Messi’s international future was uncertain. In those turbulent times, few in Argentina — and even fewer abroad — would have imagined that a soft-spoken, little-known assistant coach would script one of the greatest eras in the nation’s football history.
Seven years later, Lionel Scaloni has guided Argentina to three major titles — Copa América 2021, Finalissima 2022, and the FIFA World Cup 2022 — and another Copa América crown in 2024, while instilling a sense of belief, unity, and resilience that had long eluded La Albiceleste. What started as a caretaker role has evolved into one of the most successful coaching tenures in international football.
This is the story of Scaloni’s journey — his philosophy, his turning points, and the ten defining matches that will forever be remembered as milestones in Argentina’s golden chapter.
Part I: From Stopgap to Strategist
A Rocky Appointment
After Argentina’s collapse in Russia, the Argentine FA looked directionless. Big names like Diego Simeone and Mauricio Pochettino were linked but unavailable. Enter Lionel Scaloni, a man who had been working as an assistant under Sampaoli. He was given the interim job largely because he was already inside the system. Even Diego Maradona publicly criticized the decision, saying Scaloni “wasn’t ready to even manage traffic.”
Yet Scaloni quietly accepted the role. He wasn’t a man of big words, but he was determined to change the culture — to restore humility, unity, and calm to a dressing room that had been haunted by near-misses and overburdened by Messi’s shadow.
Building the Foundation
Scaloni’s first mission was rebuilding the squad. He blooded in new faces: Lautaro Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Cristian Romero, and Julián Álvarez all became central to his project. He also convinced Lionel Messi to continue with the national team, assuring him that the future would not rely solely on his shoulders.
His style was pragmatic. Unlike Marcelo Bielsa or Sampaoli, Scaloni wasn’t obsessed with attacking frenzy. He built balance. Argentina under Scaloni became compact, defensively solid, yet fluid enough in attack to let Messi thrive. This blend was soon nicknamed “La Scaloneta” — a vehicle carrying Argentina back to glory.
Part II: Triumphs and Transformations
2019 Copa América – First Steps
Scaloni’s first real test came at the 2019 Copa América in Brazil. Argentina were inconsistent, losing to Colombia and scraping past Qatar in the group stage. Critics circled. But Scaloni kept faith in his young side, and they eventually finished third, beating Chile in the playoff. It wasn’t a trophy, but it was a foundation. The team showed grit, and Messi — despite his frustrations — pledged his commitment.
This tournament marked the beginning of a process: Argentina was learning how to compete again.
2021 Copa América – Ending the Drought
Fast forward two years. Argentina entered the 2021 Copa América under immense pressure — 28 years without a major trophy. Hosted in Brazil, the narrative was stacked against them. But this was Scaloni’s Argentina: disciplined, resilient, and united.
Match by match, they grew stronger. In the final at the Maracanã, Ángel Di María’s lob secured a 1–0 victory over Brazil. Tears flowed. Messi lifted his first major international trophy. And Lionel Scaloni had ended nearly three decades of agony.
That night, “La Scaloneta” became immortal.
2022 Finalissima – Europe Conquered
At Wembley in June 2022, Argentina demolished Italy 3–0 in the Finalissima, a clash between the South American and European champions. This wasn’t just a trophy — it was a statement. Scaloni’s Argentina could dominate the best of Europe.
2022 World Cup – The Pinnacle
Qatar 2022 cemented Scaloni’s place in history. Argentina began with a shocking 2–1 defeat to Saudi Arabia, sparking panic. But Scaloni’s calmness prevailed. He rotated smartly, trusted youth, and adjusted tactics. Argentina swept aside Mexico, Poland, Australia, and Croatia, and survived a nerve-shredding penalty shootout against the Netherlands.
The final against France was perhaps the greatest World Cup final ever played: a 3–3 rollercoaster, decided on penalties. Messi fulfilled destiny, but Scaloni was the mastermind behind the structure that made it possible. At just 44, he became the youngest World Cup–winning coach since César Luis Menotti in 1978.
2023 & 2024 – Sustaining Dominance
Scaloni didn’t stop at the World Cup. In November 2023, his Argentina defeated Brazil 1–0 at the Maracanã in a World Cup qualifier — Brazil’s first-ever home loss in such a match. In 2024, he masterminded another Copa América victory, defeating Colombia in extra time.
By 2025, Scaloni had not just restored Argentina’s pride — he had built a dynasty.
Part III: Top Ten Matches of Scaloni’s Tenure
Here are the ten matches that defined Lionel Scaloni’s reign, each carrying its own story and significance:
1. Argentina 2–0 Qatar (2019 Copa América Group Stage)
This match may seem ordinary, but it was crucial. Argentina entered on the brink of elimination. Lautaro Martínez and Sergio Agüero scored to secure progression. Scaloni’s young side survived, and from here, their belief began.
2. Argentina 2–1 Chile (2019 Copa América Third-Place Playoff)
A match remembered less for the scoreline and more for Messi’s controversial red card. Yet, this win gave Scaloni credibility — Argentina finished third, a respectable result for a team in transition.
3. Argentina 1–0 Brazil (2021 Copa América Final)
The night the drought ended. Di María’s lob, Messi’s tears, Scaloni’s redemption. This was the moment Argentina returned to the top of South America.
4. Argentina 3–0 Italy (2022 Finalissima)
At Wembley, Argentina outclassed the European champions. Goals from Lautaro, Di María, and Dybala. This was “La Scaloneta” at full throttle — fearless, fluid, and ruthless.
5. Argentina 2–1 Australia (2022 World Cup Round of 16)
Messi scored a masterpiece, Julián Álvarez added another, and Argentina navigated a nervy finish. Scaloni showed trust in youth here — Álvarez became his go-to striker.
6. Argentina 2–2 Netherlands (4–3 on pens, 2022 World Cup Quarter-final)
A match of drama, tension, and penalties. After leading 2–0, Argentina were pegged back. Scaloni’s calm substitutions ensured survival. Emi Martínez’s penalty heroics wrote another chapter.
7. Argentina 3–0 Croatia (2022 World Cup Semi-final)
Perhaps Argentina’s most complete performance under Scaloni. Messi was magical, Álvarez clinical, and the team tactically perfect. A masterclass that carried them to the final.
8. Argentina 3–3 France (4–2 on pens, 2022 World Cup Final)
The greatest final ever. Scaloni’s men led twice but were dragged into extra time by Mbappé. Penalties followed. Argentina held their nerve. Messi’s destiny was fulfilled, but Scaloni’s calm hand guided the storm.
9. Brazil 0–1 Argentina (2023 World Cup Qualifier at Maracanã)
Historic. Argentina became the first team ever to defeat Brazil at home in World Cup qualifying. A Lautaro goal sealed it, but the result symbolized Scaloni’s Argentina: fearless and record-breaking.
10. Argentina 1–0 Colombia (2024 Copa América Final)
A tense, tactical battle. Scaloni made a late substitution that paid off in extra time, ensuring Argentina retained their continental crown. Proof that his success wasn’t a fluke — it was a dynasty.
Part IV: Scaloni’s Philosophy
Scaloni is not a philosopher-coach like Guardiola or Bielsa. He doesn’t preach radical systems. Instead, he is pragmatic and adaptable. He believes in:
Collective over individual — Messi is the jewel, but the system supports him rather than relies solely on him.
Trust in youth — From Álvarez to Enzo Fernández, Scaloni’s faith in young players has re-energized Argentina.
Defensive discipline — Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Emiliano Martínez have formed a backbone of steel.
Humility and unity — Gone are the egos. This team fights as one.
Part V: Legacy After Seven Years
In just seven years, Lionel Scaloni has gone from an interim placeholder to one of the most decorated Argentina coaches of all time. His record speaks for itself:
Copa América 2021 Champion
Finalissima 2022 Winner
World Cup 2022 Champion
Copa América 2024 Champion
Historic qualifier wins
More importantly, he has restored belief. Argentina no longer enters tournaments burdened by ghosts — they enter as champions, with a winning mentality and a united squad.
At just 47 years old in 2025, Scaloni’s story may only be halfway written. But already, his seven years in charge stand as a golden chapter in Argentina’s football history.
Conclusion: The Driver of La Scaloneta
When Lionel Scaloni took charge in 2018, nobody expected miracles. Seven years later, he has delivered exactly that — miracles grounded in hard work, humility, and tactical intelligence.
He turned a broken team into world champions. He turned doubters into believers. He turned “La Scaloneta” into a vehicle of dreams.
In the annals of Argentine football, names like Menotti and Bilardo are immortal. Now, Scaloni stands alongside them — the quiet leader who gave Messi his crowning moment, and a nation its pride back.