Eight years on, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina reign defined by renewal and trophies | OneFootball

Eight years on from taking charge, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina reign has delivered renewal and major titles.

According to SuperDepor.com, he stepped in as interim after Jorge Sampaoli left after Russia 2018. He handled the year’s remaining friendlies, winning four, drawing one and losing one. In November he was confirmed, criticised for inexperience but backed by players and officials.

His debut was a 3-0 win over Guatemala at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Gonzalo Pity Martínez from the spot, Giovani Lo Celso and Giovanni Simeone scoring. The fresh faces arrived after three straight final defeats, the 2014 World Cup to Germany and the 2015 and 2016 Copas América to Chile.

Scaloni ended 28 years without a trophy by winning the 2021 Copa América against Brazil at the Maracanã, Ángel Di María scoring. Argentina then won the 2022 Finalissima 3-0 over Italy through Di María, Lautaro Martínez and Paulo Dybala.

The pinnacle came at Qatar 2022, Argentina beating France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 final that followed an opening defeat to Saudi Arabia which ended a 36-match unbeaten run.

In 2024 they triumphed again without defeat, edging Colombia in extra time as Lautaro Martínez scored in minute 112, with Lionel Messi forced off injured. It delivered a second Copa América of his tenure.

Most recently, Argentina returned to a World Cup final under Scaloni, losing 1-0 to Spain. Despite that, and uncertainty over his future, his tenure is marked by results, a positive environment and a winning mentality.

Source: SuperDepor.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”