Lionel Scaloni faces tough task of World Cup title defence

Lionel Scaloni stood almost motionless on the touchline as Argentina sealed the 2022 World Cup final in a penalty shootout against France, with Gonzalo Montiel scoring the decisive spot-kick to secure the nation’s third world title. While players celebrated wildly, Scaloni remained still and silent, appearing to process the moment privately before later breaking down emotionally after a player embraced him and said: “We are world champions.”

That composure has long defined the Argentina head coach. Scaloni did not react publicly to early criticism over his limited managerial experience. He stayed calm even as Argentina’s World Cup hopes were tested by Kylian Mbappé’s goals in the final. He has continued to project the same steadiness as he leads the national team into another title defence.

Those close to him attribute that mindset partly to cycling, a daily routine he adopted after retiring as a player. He typically spends two to three hours a day riding, often through the mountains of Mallorca in Spain, where he lives, or in Pujato in Argentina, his hometown. He has said the activity helps him clear his mind and reflect on football without pressure. “On the bike, you can think about your team, your opponent, how to prepare for the match. It really clears my head,” Scaloni has said in interviews. “It helps me lower my expectations and stay calmer.”

In the coming weeks, Scaloni will become only the third coach to lead Argentina at consecutive World Cups, following César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, both former World Cup winners. However, he has often dismissed comparisons, saying they belong to a different level of achievement.

His rise to the top job was unexpected. With no senior coaching experience, he was appointed on a temporary basis in 2018 after Argentina’s disappointing World Cup campaign in Russia. At the time, he was not considered a long-term option, with names such as Mauricio Pochettino and Diego Simeone widely discussed as alternatives. Diego Maradona, Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning captain, also once questioned his suitability for the role.

Despite the doubts, Scaloni remained in charge and gradually reshaped the team. He led Argentina to Copa América victory in 2021 and guided them through qualification for the 2022 World Cup. In Qatar, after a shock opening defeat by Saudi Arabia, he made key tactical adjustments and introduced younger players including Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez, helping transform Argentina’s tournament.

The changes ultimately supported Lionel Messi’s defining World Cup triumph. Scaloni later acknowledged that criticism was expected given his lack of experience but said he held no resentment.

Argentina now face the challenge of defending their world title with Messi approaching the final stage of his international career and amid continuing tensions within the country’s football administration. Brazil remain the last nation to win back-to-back World Cups, achieving the feat in 1962, underscoring the scale of the task ahead.

Scaloni has consistently warned against complacency. “I don’t dwell on what we achieved. You always have to look forward,” he said in late 2025. “With this shirt, you can’t relax.”

Under his leadership, Argentina have remained competitive, winning Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 and finishing top of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, even during periods when Messi was absent due to fitness issues. Former World Cup winner Jorge Valdano has described the squad as unified, saying: “It’s a team with very clear leadership. Players haven’t lost their hunger.”

Scaloni’s tenure has still faced uncertainty. In 2023, he briefly suggested he might step down after a World Cup qualifier victory over Brazil, citing emotional and personal strain. There have also been reports of internal disagreements and wider instability within Argentine football administration, including criticism over scheduling and governance.

Despite this, he has largely avoided public disputes and maintained focus on preparation. Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign in Kansas City on 16 June against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.

Scaloni remains characteristically measured. “We know expectations are high because we are champions,” he said. “But football is unpredictable. Anything can happen.”