Martín Palermo moved Lionel Scaloni before Argentina’s opener

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La Número 12

·16 juin 2026

Martín Palermo moved Lionel Scaloni before Argentina’s opener

The reunion between Martín Palermo and Lionel Scaloni ahead of the 2026 World Cup left behind an unforgettable image. The greatest Xeneize idol, now in his role as a broadcaster, moved the Argentina national team coach before the debut against Algeria.

“El Titán”, an unavoidable figure in the rich history of the club from La Ribera and the top scorer in the blue-and-gold institution’s history, is in North America covering the most important event in world football for D Sports.

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Far from the bench, the former Boca goal scorer took on this new journalistic challenge to bring all the tournament’s developments to the fans. His presence in the press room did not go unnoticed, sparking a moment of deep nostalgia and camaraderie.

The exchange began in a reserved way but quickly turned into genuine emotion. “Hi Leo”, said the idol of the blue-and-gold institution. Surprised, the strategist from Pujato replied: “Oh, Martín! Have you been here since the beginning?”. After the former striker briefly confirmed it, the coach commented: “Sorry, that light is blocking my view and I couldn’t see you.”

That was when the legendary number nine of the Boca side spoke with the humility that defines him. “Well, Martín Palermo, from D Sports. I’m not speaking to you as a journalist, but as the teammate we once were”, clarified “El Loco.” He then asked the question that broke down the national team coach: “My question is, from that time when we shared great moments at Estudiantes, if you ever imagined this”.

Lionel Scaloni’s emotion at reuniting with Martín Palermo at the 2026 World Cup

The Argentine coach’s response revealed the most human side of football and the indelible mark the former Xeneize goal scorer leaves wherever he goes. “How could I have imagined it, Martín? I’m surprised. What a joy to see you”, the coach began, visibly moved.

“It moves me because we went through some very powerful things together. You got emotional too. I hadn’t seen that, honestly,” he added, highlighting the eternal striker’s character during the early stages of both of their careers.

“Besides, he in particular treated me very well. I had a very beautiful time at Estudiantes, but before that good spell, I spent three or four months without playing, and he was one of those who opened the doors for me,” the coach confessed about the idol’s tremendous gesture.

The hug between Palermo and Scaloni after the press conference.

“With his joy... he’s a friend of football. Martín, I appreciate you so much, thank you for being here. You know how hard this is, you know how wonderful it is to be here and how tough it is,” the coach acknowledged in the middle of the press room. “But with a lot of respect, a lot of excitement to begin a new World Cup and to do it in the best way. I know the boys will give absolutely everything, and that’s what we promise. Thank you, Martín,” he concluded.