La Scaloneta: A Tale of Triumph and Redemption

On July 10, 2021, a 28-year wait filled with heartbreak finally came to an end. La Albiceleste emerged victorious, defeating their arch-rivals Brazil on their home ground, Estadio do Maracana, to claim the 47th Copa America title. This poetic victory marked the end of a long and painful drought, as Captain Leo Messi celebrated alongside his teammates. However, this triumph was just the beginning of a fairytale journey known as “La Scaloneta,” orchestrated by Lionel Scaloni.

Appointment of Scaloni

Following a series of international disappointments since 1994—including losses in the 2004, 2007, 2015, and 2016 Copa America finals, as well as the 2014 World Cup final—Argentina faced yet another setback at the 2018 World Cup. In the wake of this failure, Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli was dismissed. In November 2018, the inexperienced Lionel Scaloni was appointed as the manager of Argentina, tasked with leading the team through the 2019 Copa America. Scaloni had previously been a part of the Argentine youth team that won the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship and served on the coaching staff during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. His appointment faced criticism from former players like Diego Maradona and from the media, but he was supported by a coaching staff that included 1997 Youth World Cup champions Pablo Aimar, Roberto Ayala, and Walter Samuel.

Start of a New Era and Copa America 2019

After some veteran players retired and Messi briefly stepped back from international football, Scaloni’s mission was to scout and integrate young talent into a strong squad. He traveled across Europe, identifying emerging players like Lautaro Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo De Paul, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Juan Foyth. Scaloni’s first match as manager was a friendly against Guatemala, which Argentina won 3-0. The team went on to play several friendly matches against South and North American opponents, where Scaloni tested various new faces.

At the 2019 Copa America, Argentina had a slow start, and Scaloni faced heavy criticism for his tactics. Nevertheless, the team managed to finish the tournament as the third-best side, marking the birth of a new Argentine squad. This team blended experience, with players like Messi, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, and Sergio Aguero, alongside rising stars like Cristian Romero, Lautaro Martinez, and Lo Celso. Despite ongoing criticism, the Argentine Football Association renewed Scaloni’s contract through the 2022 World Cup.

2020 Copa America

The 2020 Copa America was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later moved to Brazil. On November 25, 2020, the death of Argentina’s football legend Diego Armando Maradona shocked millions of fans worldwide, including Argentine players. La Albiceleste entered the 2021 Copa America with a singular goal: to win the tournament and end their long wait for a title. The tournament began behind closed doors due to COVID regulations on June 13, 2021.

In their opening match, Argentina drew 1-1 against Chile, with Messi scoring the only goal for La Albiceleste. They then secured victories against Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay in the group stage, finishing at the top of their group to advance to the knockout rounds. In the quarter-finals, Argentina defeated Ecuador 3-0, thanks to goals from De Paul, Lautaro Martinez, and Messi. The semi-final against Colombia ended in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making crucial saves to propel Argentina to the final.

The Final

Argentina faced their long-standing rival Brazil in the final, hosted at Estadio do Maracana, where they had previously suffered heartbreak in the 2014 World Cup Final against Germany. In the 22nd minute, Angel Di Maria scored the only goal of the match from a lofted pass by Rodrigo De Paul. Despite Brazil’s relentless attempts to equalize, exceptional saves from Emiliano Martinez secured Argentina’s long-awaited victory after 28 years. Messi was named the tournament’s best player and shared the top goal scorer title, while Emiliano earned the best goalkeeper award. The entire team fought valiantly for their dream, and Scaloni, once criticized, was celebrated as a national hero. For Messi, it was the fulfillment of a long-desired dream to win an international trophy with Argentina.

Finalissima and Road to Qatar 2022

Following their Copa America triumph, Argentine journalist Sebastián Vignolo dubbed Scaloni’s side “La Scaloneta,” likening it to a well-oiled machine. The team, now brimming with confidence, won every match in the World Cup qualifying rounds. On June 1, 2022, Argentina faced Euro Champion Italy in the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley Stadium. Italy, a four-time World Champion, struggled to compete with the Argentine side, which won 3-0, thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, and Paulo Dybala. Once again, Messi excelled, assisting two goals and delivering an outstanding performance.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Argentina arrived in Qatar with a 36-match unbeaten streak, a Copa America title, and a Finalissima trophy, carrying the tag of favorites. The team, which last won the World Cup in 1986 under Maradona, sought to end a 36-year drought. With a mix of experience and youthful talent, expectations were high for La Scaloneta.

In their opening group stage match, Argentina faced a weaker Saudi Arabian side, where expectations were high for an easy victory. However, the match took an unexpected turn. Ten minutes in, Messi scored from the penalty spot, giving Argentina an early lead. But Saudi Arabia stunned the team with two quick goals in the second half, resulting in a shocking defeat. This unexpected loss served as a wake-up call for Argentina.

In their must-win second group fixture against Mexico, Messi delivered when it mattered most, scoring a crucial goal to lead Argentina to victory, followed by a spectacular strike from Enzo Fernandez. The final group match against Poland was also critical for Argentina’s survival in the tournament. Dominating the match, Argentina secured a win thanks to goals from Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, topping the group to advance to the knockout rounds.

Argentina faced Australia in the Round of 16, continuing their winning streak with goals from Messi and Julian Alvarez. The quarter-finals pitted them against old rivals Netherlands. From the outset, Argentina controlled the match. Nahuel Molina opened the scoring with a goal from a brilliant Messi assist. Messi added a second goal from the penalty spot, but the Dutch team fought back, equalizing and forcing the match into extra time. Again, thanks to heroic saves from Emi Martinez, Argentina prevailed in the penalty shootout.

In the semi-finals, Argentina met Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up. Messi once again took the lead, and his phenomenal performance, along with Alvarez’s striking, propelled Argentina into the final. One of Messi’s assists to Alvarez was hailed as one of the best in football history.

2022 World Cup Final

In the final, Argentina faced the reigning champion France. Having lost to them in a previous encounter, this match marked Argentina’s third World Cup final since their last victory in 1986. Messi, who had previously lost the 2014 final, saw this as his chance to secure his place in history. Argentina dominated from the first whistle, earning a penalty in the 23rd minute after Di Maria was fouled by Dembele. Messi calmly converted the penalty, putting Argentina ahead. Fifteen minutes later, Di Maria scored a stunning goal, extending their lead.

However, in the 80th minute, France was awarded a penalty, and Mbappe equalized. In the dying minutes, he struck again, leveling the score at 2-2. The match went into extra time, where Messi scored again in the 108th minute, but Mbappe quickly equalized with another penalty. In the shootout, both Messi and Mbappe converted their first chances, but Emi Martinez’s saves against France’s Tchouameni and Camavinga secured the victory for Argentina. Montiel converted the final penalty, ending a 36-year wait for a third World Cup trophy.

Finishing Off the Tale

Lionel Scaloni’s journey as Argentina’s manager is a remarkable tale of transformation and triumph. From his role as assistant manager during the 2018 failure to becoming the architect of one of the greatest national teams in history, Scaloni’s story is an inspiration. His dedication transformed his critics into fans, and his exceptional man-management skills, tactical flexibility, and ability to connect with players have revitalized Argentina from a struggling team to a formidable force in international football. His name will undoubtedly be remembered alongside the greatest figures in the sport’s history.