As Argentina advances through the World Cup, the question of the team’s legacy has become a recurring theme for head coach Lionel Scaloni. From their opening match to a decisive 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals, Scaloni has faced inquiries about how he perceives the significance of this squad.
Having led Argentina for nearly eight years, Scaloni’s own legacy is firmly established, as are the accomplishments of many players who took the field against Switzerland. He ended a 30-year trophy drought, secured Argentina’s third World Cup, and claimed two Copa América titles. Initially a controversial choice, he is now celebrated as the nation’s most successful coach.
While Scaloni often sidesteps the question, he offered a heartfelt response recently, referencing a viral video that emerged following Argentina’s stunning comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16. The clip features a young Argentinian boy passionately expressing the essence of being Argentine, highlighting the nation’s fighting spirit.
“The training staff and the players, we play football to see these things,” Scaloni remarked. “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, yet their style of play has also stressed supporters’ nerves, consistently relying on the brilliance of Lionel Messi. In several instances, Argentina faced imminent elimination against significantly weaker teams, nearly being ousted by Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
During the quarter-final match against Switzerland, Argentina initially took charge, scoring early and looking dominant. Messi appeared to be in control, contributing a beautiful corner that set up the opening goal. Fans hoped the match would provide a rare moment of calm.
However, a chaotic ten-minute segment in the second half changed the game’s momentum. A defensive lapse allowed Switzerland to equalize with a straightforward give-and-go that should have been easily managed. Even after a controversial red card against Switzerland gave Argentina a numerical advantage, the team struggled to secure the win. Messi, usually a force, missed a couple of crucial opportunities as the match headed into extra time.
In a moment of brilliance from an otherwise quiet Julian Álvarez, Argentina regained the lead with a stunning curling strike, allowing the supporters to finally breathe easier. The team’s joy turned to elation when Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory with a late third goal, a reminder that Messi doesn’t always need to be the focal point.
Post-match discussions among Argentine reporters revealed a sense of exhaustion despite the victory, with many emphasizing the words sufrir and costar. They had indeed endured to achieve the win.
“Every game in the World Cup, we are seeing that they’re like this,” Álvarez stated after the match. “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 his thoughts.
“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 tournament has showcased two contrasting sides of Argentina: moments of brilliance juxtaposed with chaotic struggles. In just three days, they will face England in the semi-finals, a rematch steeped in one of football’s most intense rivalries, marked by history, politics, and controversy. This match will feature Messi in a key role, as he aims to etch his own legacy in this storied confrontation.
Scaloni, aware of the match’s historical and political significance, attempted to downplay the stakes. Ironically, his remarks may have had the opposite effect. “This is just a football game, OK?” he emphasized. “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.”
The upcoming match comes after Argentina played 120 minutes in two of their last three knockout games and will be on just three days of recovery. Scaloni believes that the challenges they face help build character. Argentina may not be flawless, but they have shown resilience in adversity. The path ahead is undoubtedly more challenging than their previous opponents, but should they manage to overcome England, they will face either Spain or France in the final.
“This is part of our blood,” Scaloni expressed. “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.”
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