Tag: Scaloni

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Scaloni ‘eternally grateful’ to Argentina fans

Lusail:Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni holds up the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec.18, 2022.(Photo:Suman Chattopadhyay/IANS)

The Albiceleste squad later continued the parade with a helicopter flyover…reports Asian Lite News

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has expressed his gratitude to the team’s fans after guiding the Albiceleste to their first World Cup title since 1986.

The 44-year-old paid tribute to the millions of supporters that poured into the streets of Buenos Aires on Tuesday to pay homage to Argentina’s players following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France on Sunday.

“The dream of all Argentines came true,” Scaloni said in a social media post. “I’m eternally grateful and excited to see you happy. You were player number 12.”

Among the 300,000-plus people to give a “like” to the post was former Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who wrote, “Thank you. You [Scaloni] are eternal.”

A planned parade of Argentine players on an open-air bus had to be abandoned on Tuesday to protect the safety of the millions in attendance amid chaotic scenes, reports Xinhua.

The Albiceleste squad later continued the parade with a helicopter flyover.

Scaloni has led Argentina to the World Cup, the Copa America and the CONMEBOL-UEFA finals since taking charge of the national team in 2018.

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Scaloni: No big celebrations, we still have one step ahead of us

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.(photo:@Argentina/Twitter)

“Of course, we say that Messi is (the best player ever) and maybe we are narrow-minded because as an Argentine, it’s enjoyable. But I have no doubt that he is the best,” he said…reports Asian Lite News

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said his team would enjoy muted celebrations after reaching the World Cup final with a 3-0 victory over Croatia.

Julian Alvarez scored a brace and Lionel Messi converted a penalty as Argentina won their fifth consecutive match in this tournament after starting with a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia.

“We’ll celebrate because we know it’s exciting to advance to the final,” Scaloni said after the semifinal. “But we still have one step ahead of us. It’s a historic moment that we need to enjoy but that’s it. We need to focus on the upcoming match.”

Scaloni heaped praise on Messi, who now has five goals and three assists in this tournament. His strike here saw him surpass Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

“Of course, we say that Messi is (the best player ever) and maybe we are narrow-minded because as an Argentine, it’s enjoyable. But I have no doubt that he is the best,” he said.

“I have been saying it for a long time. I’m honoured to see him train and play. It’s exciting because every time you see him play it’s a huge source of motivation for Argentinians. It’s a privilege to have him in our squad.”

Scaloni also thanked the tens of thousands of Argentinian fans present at Lusail stadium, many of whom began singing hours before the 10 pm kick-off and finished well beyond midnight.

“I have the dream job of all Argentines,” he said. “Our people were supporting us throughout and you could feel it. It was unforgettable. We’re all pushing in the same direction and we’re grateful to them.”

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Scaloni pins hope that Messi will continue play for Argentina

FIFA World Cup: Messi will continue to appear for Argentina much after Qatar 2022, hopes coach Scaloni

Croatia will be looking to become the first back-to-back finalists since Brazil in 2002…reports Asian Lite News

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is pinning hopes that Lionel Messi will continue to play for Argentina much after the FIFA World Cup is over.

The Argentinian superstar had announced at the start of the tournament that he will retire from international football after Qatar World Cup but Scaloni feels there will be a change of heart and he will continue.

“We will hope he continues playing. Let’s see if he does. We will keep enjoying him, that’s important for us and for the world of foo”ball.”

Scaloni’s side faces Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, after overcoming the Netherlands on penalties. The Copa America champions led 2-0 at Lusail Stadium yet were pegged back to a 2-2 draw by Wout Weghorst’s double.

“I know Messi and he was always like that, he was always a winner and he has pride and a big desire to continue playing football that makes us happy. And also because the first year was difficult in terms of adaptation and now, from what they explain to me, their life in Paris is perfect. The children are happy, he and his family, his wife too,” Scaloni added.

The Argentina captain is eyeing his second World Cup final after his team lost to Germany in 2014 and the only major title missing from his collection, which includes every big club and the national team title.

Croatia will be looking to become the first back-to-back finalists since Brazil in 2002

Scaloni said both Angel Di Maria and Rodrigo De Paul would be fit and the absence of the suspended Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel would not be a problem.

“We have our own system, our style. Of course, in certain situations we need to take into account how the opponents are playing,” Scaloni said.

“We won’t change our style beyond the system and that’s what we’re going to do. During the game, we will of course make decisions (based on situations) and rise to the challenge.”

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