During the course of the World Cup, from their opening match to the recent 3-1 quarter-final triumph, Lionel Scaloni has been repeatedly confronted with a singular inquiry: what does he perceive as the legacy of this Argentine team?
Scaloni has led Argentina for almost eight years, and his personal legacy is already well-established, alongside that of many players who took the field against Switzerland on Saturday night. He has ended a trophy drought that lasted nearly three decades, secured Argentina’s third World Cup title, and clinched two Copa Américas. Today, he is celebrated as the nation’s most successful coach, a stark contrast to the controversy surrounding his initial appointment.
While Scaloni often sidesteps the legacy question, he provided a touching response on Friday, referencing a viral clip that emerged following Argentina’s miraculous comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16. The video features a young Argentine boy, around ten years old, passionately expressing what it means to be Argentine—highlighting their fighting spirit.
“The training staff and the players, we play football to see these things,” Scaloni stated. “Things that come from the heart. It’s incredible – a kid that age says that. If this team has a legacy, that’s what we want. That tomorrow, kids like that think that they can be here playing [for the national team] in the future.”
Throughout the tournament, Scaloni’s squad has captivated fans, albeit at the cost of their supporters’ nerves. They have repeatedly left matches hanging in the balance, relinquishing leads and heavily relying on Lionel Messi, their ageless star. On two occasions, they narrowly escaped elimination against considerably weaker opponents, and they came perilously close to being ousted by the small nation of Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
In Saturday’s match, Argentina struck early and appeared to dominate against a typically lackluster Swiss side that rarely posed a threat to the defending champions. Messi seemed to glide through the match, with his only notable contribution being a beautifully executed corner that set up Argentina’s first goal. For a brief moment, it appeared that the Argentine fans might finally have a chance to breathe.
However, a chaotic ten-minute stretch in the second half saw Argentina falter. A single defensive lapse allowed Switzerland to equalize via a straightforward give-and-go that should have been easily managed. Even after a contentious red card against a Swiss player gave Argentina a numerical advantage, they struggled to secure the victory. Messi, unusually, missed two significant opportunities as the match progressed to extra time.
It was a moment of brilliance from Julian Álvarez, who had been relatively quiet throughout the game, that propelled Argentina forward. His perfectly executed curling shot allowed the Argentine fans to finally breathe a sigh of relief. Ecstasy followed when Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory with a late third goal, reminding everyone that Messi doesn’t always have to be the one to carry the team.
Post-match, a throng of Argentine reporters gathered to interview the players, many of whom shared sentiments steeped in the themes of suffering and sacrifice. They had endured for this victory; it had exacted a toll.
“Every game in the World Cup, we are seeing that they’re like this,” Álvarez remarked. “Sometimes it’s our turn [to suffer], but it’s also the same for our opponents. Tons of extra time, all of that. Whatever the case is, we know we will fight till the end. As long as we win, it’s fine.”
Scaloni added, “To make the World Cup semi-finals you have to suffer. We did it in Qatar as well … Ultimately we always find the solutions, and in the end tonight we made it possible.”
This duality of Argentina’s recent World Cup experiences encapsulates their ability to exhibit world-class brilliance alongside utter chaos. In just three days, they will face their most formidable challenge yet against England in the semi-finals in Atlanta. This match reignites one of football’s most fierce rivalries, steeped in politics, history, and controversy—featuring legends like Maradona and Shilton, Beckham and Simeone, and now, remarkably, Messi, who is eager to leave his mark on this storied rivalry.
Scaloni, perhaps aware of the historical and political weight of the upcoming match, attempted to downplay its significance. Ironically, his remarks may have heightened the anticipation. “This is just a football game, OK?” he stated. “That’s what I can say. It is a football game and we will be playing against a very tough opponent with an excellent coach. And this is a football game. And that is all.”
After enduring 120 minutes in two of their last three knockout matches and with just three days to recuperate, Argentina faces England. For Scaloni, the challenges they encounter are what forge resilience. While Argentina may not be flawless, they have demonstrated an uncanny ability to weather adversity and remain upright. However, the path ahead promises to be significantly more demanding than those posed by Cape Verde, Egypt, or Switzerland. If they can muster enough magic to overcome England, a final showdown with either Spain or France awaits.
“This is part of our blood,” Scaloni explained. “It is part of our DNA. [These struggles] bring peace of mind. We are more experienced and we know what it feels like to be dominated by the opponent, to have an equalizer. Today we kept our composure, the team knew how to remain calm, and we will never give up.”
