Argentina have managed the unthinkable as they have won the Copa America and the 2022 World Cup in succession which has left many football fans wanting to know more about Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
Scaloni has been the man to turn things around for the country, and now they look like they could be a huge threat at international tournaments for many years.
The South American nation had not won the World Cup until 1986 when they were led by legend of the game Diego Maradona. Now they have a new legend, Lionel Messi, and there was a huge fear among football fans that he would never lift the World Cup.
Now he has, and although he has received a lot of praise, Lionel Scaloni needs just as much praise as he has been the one to influence this Argentinian reformation.
Lionel Scaloni Age
The now 44-year-old Argentinian manager is one of many in the profession who started off their career in football by playing professionally.
Lionel Scaloni Playing Career
2 Apr 2002: Ryan Giggs of Manchester United uses his pace to beat Lionel Scaloni of Deportivo La Coruna to create a goalscoring chance during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match played at Estadio Municipal de Riazor, in La Coruna, Spain. Manchester United won the match 2-1. DIGITAL IMAGE. \ Mandatory Credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
He was predominantly a defender, playing at right-back, but he had a few appearances in midfield, and his shirt number was typically number 5. Scaloni had spells in La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A as he featured for West Ham, Atalanta, Racing Santander, RCD Mallorca, Lazio and Deportivo de La Coruna.
It was at Deportivo where Scaloni spent most of his playing days as he managed to play 275 for the Spanish side. Here, he amassed 18 goals and three assists and he also featured in the UEFA Champions League whilst playing for them. It was definitely the Argentinian's most successful period as he won the Spanish league, the cup and the Super Cup twice. These were the only trophies of his career.
Despite being Argentina's manager now, Lionel Scaloni barely featured for his country as a player. He only managed seven appearances and was given his debut by highly-rated manager Marcelo Bielsa. Scaloni retired as a player at the age of 37.
Lionel Scaloni Managerial Career
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - JULY 06: Head coach of Argentina Lionel Scaloni talks with his players before a shootout after a semi-final match of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Argentina and Colombia at Mane Garrincha Stadium on July 06, 2021 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Andressa Anholete/Getty Images)
Lionel Scaloni somewhat came out of nowhere over the last few years when it comes to being a manager. He only started in the coaching world in July 2016, a year after his retirement, and the Argentinian's first stint was as the assistant manager of Sevilla.
Many probably would have expected him to stay at the La Liga side for quite a while; however, after a year, Argentina came calling and Scaloni became the assistant manager of the South American nation in June 2017. Those in the football federation at Argentina clearly saw he had potential as they made him the manager of their U20 side in 2018.
Who did Lionel Scaloni replace as Argentinian manager?
It was quite soon after that he took after the senior side as he replace Jorge Sampaoli. The former Argentinian manager stepped down following a poor World Cup campaign in 2018. It wasn't known at the time, but this was the start of a great new period for the national side.
Lionel Scaloni Stats
The 44-year-old has excelled whilst manager of his country, as they went from an inconsistent nation to world beaters. Under Scaloni, Argentina have played 57 times. In these 57 matches, they have won 40, drawn 12, and only lost five matches.
What have Argentina won whilst Scaloni has been manager?
Since he took over, they have won everything possible. First, they won the Copa America in 2021 after they beat Brazil. They then went on to win the Finalissima after beating current Euro holders, Italy. In this match, they won 3-0.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 10: Head coach of Argentina Lionel Scaloni reacts after receiving the championship medal the final of Copa America Brazil 2021 between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
They were one of the favourites going into the 2022 World Cup due to this, and despite a surprise loss in their first game to Saudi Arabia, Argentina, led by Messi, went on to win the World Cup as they beat France on penalties.
Lionel Scaloni Salary
It is believed that the Argentinian manager is on one of the biggest salaries in international management. He reportedly earns around $2.69 million a year.
Did Scaloni and Messi play together?
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - DECEMBER 20: Lionel Messi of Argentina (L) and Lionel Scaloni (R) holds the FIFA World Cup during the arrival of the Argentina men's national football team after winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on December 20, 2022 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
The two have massively helped each other win these three huge trophies, and no doubt, they will remain friends for life.
Many football fans may be shocked to know that Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi did play together for a short period. They both played for Argentina during the 2006 World Cup.
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