Lionel Scaloni has only been Argentina coach for four years, but he has already won everything. The Copa America last year, and especially the World Cup, after an anthology final against France on Sunday (3-3, 4-2 on tab). Driven by the mission of giving Lionel Messi the only major title that was missing from his collection, Scaloni allowed himself to be overwhelmed with emotion in his own way.
Once converted Gonzalo Montiel’s shot on goal, that of the coronation, the 44-year-old technician remained prostrate, as if without reaction. He is first embraced by Rodrigo Barrios, physical trainer, then Pablo Aimar, one of his assistants, comes to jump into his arms. Scaloni then leaves to isolate himself, on his bench, struggling to contain his tears. He ends up collapsing when Leandro Paredes comes to hug him and congratulate him.
Argentina was waiting for a third world title since 1986. Years of hope that ended on Sunday under the leadership of Scaloni, a man with 7 selections as a player and who had participated in the 2006 World Cup. With Messi, already.