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Lionel Scaloni
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Lionel Sebastián Scaloni (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel eskaˈloni],[3] Rioplatense: [ehkaˈloni];[citation needed] born 16 May 1978) is an Argentine professional football manager and former player who is the current head coach of the Argentina national team. Under his leadership, Argentina achieved the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Scaloni is regarded as one of the best men’s national coaches in the world.[4][5][6] A versatile player, he operated as a right-back or right midfielder.

Key Information

Born in Pujato, Santa Fe, Scaloni debuted as a player for Newell's Old Boys in 1995. He spent most of his professional career in Spain, mainly at Deportivo de La Coruña, where he won the 1999–2000 Spanish league title and the 2001–02 Copa del Rey. In total, he amassed 258 games and 15 goals over 12 seasons in La Liga with three different teams. He also played for several years in Italy, with Lazio and Atalanta, before retiring in 2015. Internationally, he played for Argentina at under-20 level, and made his debut for the senior team in 2003; he won seven caps for the team between 2003 and 2006, and was part of their 2006 World Cup squad.

Scaloni became a manager in 2016, starting as an assistant at Sevilla and Argentina's under-20 team. In 2018, he was named the outright manager of the under-20 team, and was chosen to lead the Argentina senior team later that year. With the senior team, he guided them to third place at his first international tournament, the 2019 Copa América, in Brazil. He won the 2021 edition, Argentina’s first such honour in 28 years, and then beat Italy in the 2022 Finalissima. Thereafter, the Scaloni-led national team won their third World Cup title, the first since 1986, in 2022 in Qatar. He also went on to win the 2024 Copa América as the Argentina manager, making it three consecutive tournaments won with the national team.

Playing career

[edit]

Club

[edit]

Early years and Deportivo

[edit]

Born in the small town of Pujato in Santa Fe Province,[7] with Italian origins from Ascoli Piceno, Marche,[8][9] Scaloni began his career in the Argentine Primera División with local club Newell's Old Boys and then Estudiantes de La Plata, before joining Spain's Deportivo de La Coruña in December 1997 for 405 million pesetas.[10]

Regularly used with the Galicians over an eight-and-a-half-year stint, he competed with Manuel Pablo and Víctor for both starting spots on the right flank.[11][12] Due to a knee injury, he appeared in only 14 La Liga matches as Depor won the title for the first time.[13]

After falling out with manager Joaquín Caparrós, Scaloni joined Premier League side West Ham United on loan on 31 January 2006, the final day of the transfer window, in an attempt to increase his chance of selection for the upcoming World Cup.[14] He took the number 2 shirt from the departed Tomáš Řepka, and made his league debut for the East Londoners against Sunderland, on 4 February;[15] he also helped the team to reach the FA Cup final, a penalty shootout loss to Liverpool.[16][17]

Racing Santander

[edit]
Scaloni as a Deportivo player

Scaloni left West Ham after a permanent move could not be agreed. Deportivo released him on 1 September 2006 alongside Diego Tristán,[18] one day after the close of the summer transfer window.

However, due to the fact there were no limitations for free agents, two weeks later Scaloni signed a one-year contract at Racing de Santander,[19] The Cantabrians subsequently finished in mid table. He appeared – and started – in both games against his former club, both ending in 0–0 draws.[20][21]

Italy

[edit]

On 30 June 2007, Scaloni moved to S.S. Lazio in Italy's Serie A on a five-year deal.[22] In January of the following year he returned to Spain, on loan to RCD Mallorca for 18 months;[23][24][25] subsequently, he returned to Rome, where he was rarely used for the following three seasons.

At age 35, Scaloni joined Atalanta B.C. in January 2013.[26] He was released at the end of the campaign, but re-signed after failing to find a new club.[27]

International

[edit]

After making his debut for Argentina on 30 April 2003 in a friendly game with Libya,[28] Scaloni was a surprise selection for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, taking the place of veteran Javier Zanetti who also played as a right wing-back.[29] His only appearance of the tournament was the 2–1 extra time win against Mexico in the round of 16, on 24 June 2006 at the Zentralstadion, which he started and finished.[30]

Coaching career

[edit]

Assistant

[edit]
Scaloni, as an assistant coach, embracing the team after Argentina qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

On 11 October 2016, Scaloni joined compatriot Jorge Sampaoli's coaching staff at Sevilla.[31] The following June, when Sampaoli was appointed as the new national team boss, Scaloni was again named as his assistant.[32]

Argentina

[edit]

After Argentina's failure at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Sampaoli left his post as Argentina manager by mutual consent. Scaloni and Pablo Aimar were subsequently named caretaker managers until the end of the year.[33] In November 2018, the former was confirmed in the post until the following June when the 2019 Copa América was due to take place.[34] This decision unleashed a wave of criticism against Scaloni's appointment, including from legendary footballer Diego Maradona, who criticized the move for appointing an "unqualified" and inexperienced person in charge who "wouldn't even be able to direct traffic".[35][36][37] Scaloni's appointment, at the time, was also seen as an offence against the national team due to the lack of consultation with other experienced managers at the time and the AFA was blamed for having no strategy regarding the appointment.[38]

In the 2019 Copa América, he led the side to third place in Brazil, but not in the style fans expected as Argentina struggled to advance further in the tournament.[39] The poor performance on Argentina's way to the third-place finish ultimately released a new wave of criticism against Scaloni appointment due to Argentina's inability to win the tournament despite expectation, and Scaloni's inadequate and inconsistent tactical performances.[40] Despite calls to sack Scaloni, however, the AFA opted to extend Scaloni's contract until 2022, as AFA saw Scaloni's third-place finish acceptable.[41]

Scaloni led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title after defeating Brazil who were once again the hosts (1–0), helping them to win their first trophy in 28 years.[42] In November that year, he was nominated for The Best FIFA Football Coach Award,[43] but did not make the final three shortlist.[44]

On 1 June 2022, Scaloni's Argentina won the 2022 Finalissima after defeating European champions Italy 3–0 at Wembley Stadium.[45] On 16 November, Argentina beat the United Arab Emirates 5–0 in a friendly World Cup warm-up game ahead of the World Cup extending their unbeaten run to 36 matches, just one shy of Italy's record of 37.[46]

Scaloni managing Argentina in 2022

On 22 November, Scaloni's side lost 2–1 to Saudi Arabia in their opening group stage match of the World Cup in Qatar ending their unbeaten run of 36 matches;[47] the result was considered by Gracenote statistically the greatest upset in the history of the tournament.[48] Nevertheless, they made it into the knockout stages after recording wins over Mexico (2–0) and Poland (also 2–0).[49] Argentina then overcame Australia (2–1) in the round of 16, and advanced over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals with a penalty shoot-out victory, following which Scaloni defended his team after controversy surrounding the fights and tension between Argentine and Dutch players during the ill-tempered shoot-out.[50] After beating Croatia 3–0 in the semi-finals, the nation reached the final for the second time in eight years.[51] He then led Argentina to their third FIFA World Cup title in the final against France, with the Argentine team winning via a 4–2 penalty shoot-out after the match had ended in 3–3 after extra time.[52]

Scaloni's success in guiding the national team of Argentina to victory was widely seen as a shock, due to the fact that Scaloni suffered from consistent opposition against his appointment when he was first offered the job in 2018.[37][53] He became the youngest manager since 1978, and the fourth youngest manager to win the World Cup, which, coincidentally, were both achieved by Argentine compatriot César Luis Menotti.[54] Due to this shocking conquest by a manager deemed as too inexperienced for the job, Scaloni was also referred for having "Midas' touch", named after the ancient Greek mythological character Midas.[55] Scaloni was recognised as the best men's national coach in the world in 2022 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).[5] He was also honoured with The Best FIFA Men's Coach for 2022.[56] Shortly after the World Cup victory, Scaloni signed a new contract on 27 February 2023 to keep him as Argentina manager until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[57]

Almost a year later from the victory of the World Cup in Qatar, on 21 November, he led Argentina to a 1–0 win against Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium, in what would be the latter's first home defeat ever in World Cup qualification tournaments.[58] He later guided his country to their record 16th title in Copa América in the 2024 tournament, defeating Colombia 1–0 after extra time in the final.[59] Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal in the 112th minute, having been assisted by Leandro Paredes and Giovani Lo Celso, all three of which were subbed on by Scaloni in the 97th minute; the coach was later praised for his substitutions.[60]

Style of management

[edit]

Scaloni is regarded as one of the best men’s national coaches in the world due to his success with the Argentina national team.[4][5][61]

Scaloni has stated that Carlo Ancelotti is the coach he most admires and that he tries to emulate his coaching style with Argentina.[62]

In his time as coach of Argentina, the national press nicknamed the national team 'Scaloneta'.[63]

Scaloni has instilled a coaching philosophy with Argentina centered on fostering unity and camaraderie among players through team bonding and ensuring clear, open communication to define each player’s role and value within the team structure.[64]

Personal life

[edit]

Scaloni has both Argentine and Italian citizenship.[65]

Scaloni's older brother, Mauro, also played at Deportivo, but never made it beyond its reserve team.[66][10] He and his wife Elisa Montero have two sons.[67]

In April 2019, Scaloni was run over while cycling in Calvià in Majorca. Some media initially reported him to be in serious condition, but he was discharged a few hours later.[68]

Scaloni has a street named after him in his hometown of Pujato.[69]

Career statistics

[edit]

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[70]
National team Year Apps Goals
Argentina 2003 1 0
2004 1 0
2005 3 0
2006 2 0
Total 7 0

Managerial

[edit]
As of match played 14 October, 2025 (Vs. Puerto Rico)
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record Ref
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Argentina U20 Argentina 17 July 2018 30 November 2018 6 4 1 1 11 3 +8 066.67 [citation needed]
Argentina Argentina 3 August 2018 present 91 64 18 9 184 48 +136 070.33 [71]
Career total 97 68 19 10 195 51 +144 070.10

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Deportivo La Coruña

West Ham United

Argentina U20

Manager

[edit]

Argentina U20

Argentina

Individual

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lionel Scaloni

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lionel Scaloni is an Argentine professional and former defender, best known as the of the national team since 2018, with whom he secured the 2021 Copa América title—ending a 28-year major trophy drought—the , Argentina's third world championship, and the 2024 Copa América, achieving back-to-back titles. Born on May 16, 1978, in the small town of Pujato, Santa Fe Province, Argentina, Scaloni grew up in a modest family and developed a passion for football from a young age, often playing with a ball even in his sleep. He began his youth career at local club Sportivo Matienzo before moving at age 16 to Rosario to join Newell's Old Boys, where he made his professional debut in 1995. Scaloni's playing career spanned clubs in Argentina, such as Estudiantes de La Plata in 1997, and primarily in Europe, including stints at Deportivo La Coruña—where he played the most matches—West Ham United, Racing Santander, Lazio, and Atalanta, retiring in 2015. Internationally, he represented Argentina, winning the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship with the U-20 team and participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup with the senior squad. Transitioning to coaching without prior senior managerial experience, Scaloni served as an assistant at Sevilla from 2016 to 2017 and with Argentina under Jorge Sampaoli in 2017–2018 before being appointed interim head coach of the national team on August 2, 2018, a role he has held permanently with a contract extending to December 31, 2026. Under his leadership, Argentina achieved a third-place finish at the 2019 Copa América, won the 2022 Finalissima against Italy, and established a record 36-match unbeaten streak, the longest in the nation's history, across 88 matches as of November 2025 with 62 wins, 18 draws, and 8 losses. Scaloni's tactical approach emphasizes team unity, patient build-up play, and a flexible system often featuring a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation with an aggressive high press, allowing key players like Lionel Messi freedom in attack while prioritizing defensive solidity and set-piece execution. As of November 2025, he continues to guide the team, having led Argentina to a 2–0 victory over Angola in a friendly on November 14, 2025, with Messi scoring.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Lionel Sebastián Scaloni was born on 16 May 1978 in Pujato, a small agricultural town in , Argentina, located approximately 350 kilometers northwest of . Pujato, with a population of around 3,700 residents, is situated in the fertile region, where the local economy revolves around farming activities such as and corn cultivation, reflecting the rural, land-based lifestyle that shaped Scaloni's upbringing. Scaloni hails from a of Italian descent through his grandparents, which later enabled him to obtain dual Argentine-Italian . His was deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of Pujato, with relatives working the land in a that emphasized and resilience amid the challenges of rural life. Scaloni's older brother, Mauro Scaloni, born in 1976, shared a similar background and pursued interests in lower-division football, playing for reserve teams and clubs in regional leagues. In his early years, Scaloni attended at School No. 227 in Pujato, where the close-knit environment of the town fostered a sense of community and grounded values. The modest, farming-centric setting provided initial non-football influences, including family involvement in local traditions and the practical demands of rural existence, which contributed to his development before his interests shifted toward organized youth activities.

Youth development

Scaloni began his youth career at local club Sportivo Matienzo in Pujato before moving to at the age of 16 to join the youth academy of , where he began organized football training in 1994. Supported by his family, who encouraged his passion despite the distance, he quickly adapted to the club's demanding . In the academy, known as the "inferiores," Scaloni developed primarily as a right-back, focusing on defensive fundamentals such as tackling, positioning, and aerial duels, while demonstrating versatility to also play as a right . His technical growth and work ethic earned recognition from coaches, who noted his maturity and reliability in youth matches, leading to his promotion to the senior squad by early 1995. Although specific youth tournaments are not extensively documented, his performances in internal and regional fixtures highlighted his potential, contributing to his rapid progression. Despite the promise shown, limited first-team opportunities at Newell's prompted Scaloni's departure in 1996 after appearing in only 12 senior matches the previous season, as he sought more consistent playing time elsewhere. This move marked the end of his time in the club's youth and reserve setups, where he had laid the foundation for a professional career emphasizing defensive solidity and adaptability.

Professional playing career

Club career

Scaloni made his professional debut for in 1995, appearing in 10 matches without scoring during the 1995–1996 season. He then joined in 1996, making approximately 37 appearances without scoring from 1996 to late 1997 before transferring to Europe. In December 1997, he joined Deportivo La Coruña for a reported fee of €2.40 million, where he spent nearly a decade as a key right-back, making 200 appearances and scoring 14 goals across all competitions from 1998 to 2007. With Deportivo, Scaloni contributed to the club's historic title, their only Spanish league championship to date, as well as the 2001–02 Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups in 2000 and 2002. His tenure included participation in the , highlighting his role in one of Deportivo's most successful eras. In January 2006, Scaloni moved on a six-month loan to West Ham United in the English , where he featured in 13 matches without scoring, struggling to adapt to the league's physicality and pace; a notable error in the loss to further marked his brief stint. Following the loan, he signed a one-year deal with Racing Santander in September 2006, playing 30 games and netting 1 goal over the 2006–2007 season in . Scaloni transferred to on a free in June 2007, accumulating 52 appearances and 1 goal from 2007 to 2013, interspersed with a loan to from January 2008 to June 2009, during which he made 28 appearances without scoring. At , he helped secure the 2008–09 and the 2009 , adding to his trophy collection before limited playing time due to injuries. In 2013, Scaloni joined on a free transfer, but recurring injuries, including knee problems and adductor issues, restricted him to 15 appearances with no goals from 2013 to 2015. Persistent health challenges forced his retirement in 2015 at age 37. During his European spells, particularly at Deportivo, he received occasional international call-ups for .

International career

Scaloni began his international career with Argentina's youth teams in the late 1990s, most notably featuring in the 1997 held in . He appeared in 7 matches during the tournament, scoring 2 goals, as Argentina successfully defended their title with a 2-1 victory over in the final. Scaloni earned his first senior cap for on 30 2003, in a friendly match against , which ended in a 2-0 win. Over the course of his senior international tenure from 2003 to 2006, he accumulated 7 caps without scoring a goal, often limited by stiff competition from established defenders such as and . His most prominent senior appearance came during the in , where he was included in José Pékerman's squad. Scaloni played in the round of 16 match against on 24 June 2006, starting and playing the full 120 minutes in Argentina's 2-1 extra-time victory, though the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by hosts . Following the tournament, Scaloni retired from international duty, with no further appearances for the senior team.

Coaching career

Early coaching positions

After retiring from professional football in 2015, Scaloni transitioned into coaching by joining Jorge Sampaoli's staff at as an assistant coach and opposition analyst in October 2016. During the 2016–17 season, he contributed to the team's campaign, which culminated in a 3–2 victory over in the final on May 24, 2017, securing Sevilla's third consecutive title in the competition. Scaloni remained in the role until the end of the season in May 2017. In June 2017, Scaloni followed Sampaoli to the national team, serving as assistant coach through the qualifiers and the tournament itself. Following Sampaoli's dismissal in July 2018, Scaloni took charge of the U20 team as from July to November 2018, overseeing preparations and participation in youth international matches, including qualifiers for the . In August 2018, amid a transitional period for the senior national team, Scaloni was appointed interim head coach alongside for upcoming friendlies against and , marking his first involvement with the senior squad in a leading capacity. This role built on his recent youth experience and prior assistant duties, providing a bridge to further opportunities within the .

Head coach of Argentina

Scaloni was appointed as interim head coach of the Argentina national team on 3 August 2018, following the dismissal of after a disappointing performance at the . His role was confirmed on a permanent basis in November 2018, with the opting to retain the inexperienced coach amid a transitional period for the squad. Under Scaloni's leadership, Argentina began rebuilding team cohesion, drawing on his prior experience as an assistant in the youth setup. Scaloni guided Argentina to their first major title in 28 years by winning the 2021 Copa América, culminating in a 1–0 victory over in the final at the on 10 July 2021, where Ángel Di María scored the decisive goal. This triumph marked a turning point, ending a long drought and boosting national morale. The following year proved transformative, as Argentina secured the with a 3–0 win against at on 1 June 2022, showcasing their dominance over the European champions. Scaloni then led the team to glory in , defeating France 4–2 on penalties in the final on 18 December 2022 after a thrilling 3–3 draw, with scoring twice to secure Argentina's third world title. In qualifying for 2026, a pivotal moment came on 21 November 2023, when earned a 1–0 away victory over at the Maracanã—the hosts' first home defeat in qualifying history—thanks to a header from . Scaloni's tenure reached another peak with victory in the 2024 Copa América, where defeated 1–0 in extra time during the final on 15 July 2024 at , with Lautaro Martínez scoring the winner despite Lionel Messi's injury-enforced exit. This made the first nation to hold the and Copa América titles simultaneously for a second consecutive cycle. Argentina clinched qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the first CONMEBOL team on March 25, 2025, following their 1–0 win over Uruguay on March 21. Later that year, in September 2025, Argentina hosted Messi's final home qualifier, marking an emotional milestone as the captain prepared for what may be his last international tournament. Preparatory friendlies in October 2025 included a 1–0 victory over Venezuela on 10 October and a 6–0 rout of Puerto Rico on 14 October, allowing Scaloni to integrate emerging talents while maintaining momentum toward the expanded World Cup in North America. On November 14, 2025, Argentina defeated Angola 2–0 in a friendly match in Luanda, with goals from Lautaro Martínez and Lionel Messi.

Managerial style

Tactical approach

Lionel Scaloni has demonstrated a flexible tactical approach with , frequently employing a 4-3-3 formation that emphasizes defensive solidity through a compact midfield structure, allowing for quick transitions into attack. This setup features a single defensive anchoring the backline, supported by two box-to-box players who facilitate rapid shifts from defense to offense, often exploiting spaces left by pressing opponents. In matches requiring greater defensive resilience, such as the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against the , Scaloni switched to a 3-5-2, utilizing wing-backs to maintain width while bolstering central protection. Central to Scaloni's strategy is a high-pressing game that triggers upon loss of possession, with midfielders like and leading the counter-press to regain the ball in advanced areas. This pressing is complemented by wing play, where full-backs such as push forward to create overloads on the flanks, stretching defenses and opening central channels for creative players. Scaloni adapts these elements to leverage Lionel Messi's strengths, positioning him between the lines in the 4-3-3 to receive passes from midfield triangles, as seen in quick transitions during the 2024 Copa América where Messi's interplay with forwards like generated scoring opportunities. Scaloni's tactics evolved from more pragmatic, stability-focused setups in his early tenure around 2018-2019, prioritizing experienced players in rigid shapes to build team cohesion, to a fluid, attacking style post-2021 Copa América victory. This shift incorporated greater positional rotations and progressive passing, enhancing Argentina's possession dominance (averaging 73.91% in 2024) while retaining defensive layers in a 4-4-2 low block that concedes minimally (0.5 goals per game in 2024). This fluid style has persisted into 2025, with Argentina maintaining an average possession of 65% in matches that year. Examples include counter-attacking sequences in the 2022 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, where midfield recoveries led to swift wing exploits, and similar patterns in the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil, underscoring Scaloni's emphasis on adaptive, opponent-specific adjustments.

Leadership philosophy

Lionel Scaloni has frequently cited as a profound influence on his coaching philosophy, particularly admiring the Italian's exceptional man-management skills. In a September 2024 interview, Scaloni described Ancelotti as "the reference for me today," emphasizing their shared vision on handling players and teams, and noting that Ancelotti "has already made history" through his ability to foster harmony among diverse squads. This admiration underscores Scaloni's belief in prioritizing interpersonal relationships over rigid structures, drawing from Ancelotti's success in managing egos at clubs like Real Madrid. Central to Scaloni's leadership is an emphasis on player camaraderie, clear roles, and overall unity, which has cultivated a distinctive team identity often dubbed "La Scaloneta" by fans and media—a term evoking the warmth and cohesion of a well-run household. He promotes this through structured team-bonding sessions and transparent communication, ensuring every player understands their responsibilities while feeling integral to the group's success; as Messi observed, "this is a group that stands out for its unity, its collective strength." This approach transformed a fragmented squad into a supportive unit, where personal connections, such as shared notes of encouragement among players like De Paul and Messi, reinforce mutual trust and morale. In managing star players like , Scaloni adopts a of trust and minimal interference, granting them to express their talents while harnessing their leadership for the collective good. He has praised Messi's unparalleled influence, stating, "I’ve never seen a player have the impact on teammates [Messi] does," and structures the team around his freedom, much like Barcelona's "Messi plus 10" model, without over-directing his decisions. This hands-off yet supportive style rebuilt Messi's connection to the national team after past disappointments, allowing him to thrive as both a performer and a unifying figure. Scaloni's development of a resilient, mindset proved pivotal during Argentina's turbulent 2018-2022 qualification, when the team languished in fifth place and faced elimination risks under previous regimes. Taking over as interim coach amid , he instilled perspective and by relativizing setbacks—"The sun will come up tomorrow"—and focusing on incremental unity, which propelled a turnaround into a 36-game unbeaten streak. This mental fortitude, built through off-field emphasis on shared purpose and recovery from early losses like the , enabled the squad to endure crises, such as the 2022 tournament's opening defeat to , emerging stronger as a cohesive force.

Personal life

Family and background

Lionel Scaloni hails from a family with Italian roots tracing back to Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region, a heritage common among many Argentines due to historical immigration waves from Italy. This ancestry granted him dual Argentine-Italian citizenship, which theoretically allowed him the option to represent Italy internationally during his playing career, though he chose Argentina. Scaloni is married to Elisa Montero, a Spanish national whom he met during his time playing in La Liga. The couple has two sons: Ian, born in 2012, and Noah, born in 2016. His older brother, Mauro Scaloni, pursued a minor professional football career as a , including stints with and later joining Lionel at , where he remained in the reserve team (Deportivo B) for nine seasons without first-team appearances. During his extensive playing career in Spain, Scaloni established a long-term residence there with his family, particularly in after retiring, where he has owned a home in overlooking El Toro beach and continues to spend significant time.

Incidents and honors

In April 2019, Scaloni suffered a cycling accident in , , when a car reversed into him while he was riding his , resulting in cuts and bruises to his face and body. He was hospitalized briefly for treatment but discharged the same day with no serious injuries. In December 2022, Scaloni's hometown of Pujato in , , honored him by naming a street after him, reflecting the local community's pride in his achievements and roots. This tribute, located between Simón de Iriondo and another local street, underscores the enduring connection between Scaloni and the small town where he grew up.

Career statistics

As a player

Club career

ClubAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow cardsRed cardsMinutes played
Estudiantes de La Plata20010125
Deportivo La Coruña296181163218,570
Racing Santander3210902,655
Lazio6814513,730
West Ham United1700301,473
Atalanta1701501,273
Mallorca34001112,597
Total466201697430,423

International career

Scaloni earned 7 caps for the senior national team between 2003 and 2006, scoring 1 goal. He also represented at youth level, winning the with the U20 team.

As a manager

Scaloni's managerial record with the national team, as of November 2025:
Club/TeamMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %
896218969.66

Honours

As a player

Scaloni achieved notable success as a defender during his club career, primarily with Deportivo La Coruña in . With the club, he won the title in the 1999–2000 season, marking their first-ever Spanish top-flight championship. He also lifted the in 2001–2002, defeating Real Madrid 2–1 in the final. Additionally, Scaloni secured two titles with Deportivo, in 2000 and 2002. With in , he won the in 2008–09 and the in 2009. At West Ham United in , Scaloni reached the in 2006 but finished as runner-up after a 3–2 loss to , in a match remembered for its dramatic late goals. On the international youth stage, Scaloni contributed to Argentina's victory in the , held in .

As a manager

Under Lionel Scaloni's management, Argentina secured the title, defeating 1-0 in the final at the to end a 28-year for the South American championship. In 2022, Scaloni guided to a 3-0 victory over in the Finalissima at , claiming the inaugural edition of the intercontinental trophy between Copa América and winners. Later that year, Scaloni's team won the in , overcoming 4-2 in a after a 3-3 draw in the final, marking Argentina's third global triumph and Scaloni's first as a . Scaloni extended Argentina's success by winning the 2024 Copa América, beating 1-0 in extra time during the final in , achieving a second continental title and completing a of major tournament victories in consecutive editions. Scaloni was awarded the IFFHS World's Best National Coach in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he received the Globe Soccer Coach Career Award. For his role in the 2022 World Cup success, Scaloni was awarded The Best FIFA Men's Coach in 2023, receiving the honor ahead of finalists and in a vote by national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans.

References

  1. https://copaamerica.com/en/news/the-conmebol-copa-america-coaches-lionel-scaloni
  2. https://www.transfermarkt.us/lionel-scaloni/profil/trainer/62271
  3. https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/lionel-scaloni-from-pujatos-naughty-kid-to-argentinas-national-coach.phtml
  4. https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/lionel-scaloni-coach-watch-lionel-messi-argentina-brazil/
  5. https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/46872951/lionel-messi-argentina-squad-november-angola-inter-miami
  6. https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-superstar-lautaro-martinez-angola-pre-world-cup-friendly/blt92f1505728b19eb1
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/17/argentinas-stand-in-lionel-scaloni-has-got-the-country-singing-again
  8. https://kids.kiddle.co/Lionel_Scaloni
  9. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/lionel-scaloni.html
  10. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/245934-mauro-scaloni
  11. https://www.transfermarkt.us/lionel-scaloni/profil/spieler/7499
  12. https://www.infobae.com/deportes/2022/12/23/lionel-scaloni-no-lo-sabia-pero-a-los-10-anos-ya-estaba-destinado-a-ser-entrenador/
  13. https://www.clarin.com/deportes/lionel-scaloni-historia-volante-dejo-marca-jugador-hoy-hace-entrenador_0_cpJPcXm8g1.html
  14. https://www.infobae.com/deportes/2023/04/09/la-historia-del-unico-newells-central-jugado-por-scaloni-los-gestos-que-anticiparon-su-personalidad-a-los-18-anos-y-un-partido-que-no-termino/
  15. https://www.lacapital.com.ar/ovacion/scaloni-aquel-volante-que-debuto-newells-n1704223.html
  16. https://www.espn.com.ar/futbol/mundial/nota/_/id/6052102/scaloni-y-martino-unidos-por-su-pasado-en-newells
  17. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/320/Lionel_Scaloni.html
  18. https://www.transfermarkt.us/lionel-scaloni/erfolge/spieler/7499
  19. https://www.transfermarkt.com/deportivo-la-coruna/startseite/verein/897
  20. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11552145/From-West-Ham-flop-Argentina-hero-Lionel-Scalonis-incredible-journey-World-Cup-glory.html
  21. https://www.fotmob.com/players/38922/lionel-scaloni
  22. https://www.transfermarkt.us/lionel-scaloni/verletzungen/spieler/7499
  23. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/lionel-scaloni/u20-h-wm/4/
  24. https://www.transfermarkt.com/lionel-scaloni/nationalmannschaft/spieler/7499
  25. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/1658-lionel-scaloni
  26. https://www.thesoccerworldcups.com/players/lionel_scaloni.php
  27. https://www.football-espana.net/2016/10/12/scaloni-joins-sevilla-staff
  28. https://en.as.com/en/2016/10/11/soccer/1476208219_163407.html
  29. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37559524/argentina-give-lionel-messi-respect-deserves-lionel-scaloni
  30. https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/articles/scaloni-named-interim-argentina-coach
  31. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/-argentina-name-under-17-boss-as-interim-coach-idUSKBN1KO0WB/
  32. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47865027
  33. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/argentina-beat-brazil-1-0-win-copa-america-2021-07-11/
  34. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/with-south-america-conquered-scalonis-argentina-eye-world-cup-glory-2022-11-03/
  35. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/argentina-win-incredible-final-penalties-2022-12-18/
  36. https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/argentina-hand-brazil-third-straight-loss-after-crowd-trouble-maracana-2023-11-22/
  37. https://apnews.com/article/copa-america-argentina-colombia-score-messi-6753475603a48683a3c4971e451e8263
  38. https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/684642
  39. https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/holders-argentina-qualify-2026-world-cup-after-bolivia-uruguay-draw-2025-03-25/
  40. https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/messis-final-world-cup-qualifier-grabs-spotlight-2025-09-03/
  41. https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/758373
  42. https://www.vavel.com/en-us/soccer/2025/11/14/1241058-angola-vs-argentina-live-score-friendly.html
  43. https://themastermindsite.com/2022/12/16/lionel-scaloni-argentina-tactical-analysis-world-cup-2022/
  44. https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/copa-america-2024-tactical-preview-argentina-tactical-analysis-tactics
  45. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3918461/2022/11/21/argentina-evolution-world-cup/
  46. https://footystats.org/clubs/argentina-national-team-8625
  47. https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-i-think-similarly-many-ways-argentina-manager-names-real-madrid-boss-carlo-ancelotti-coaching-role-model
  48. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/19/lionel-scaloni-transformed-argentina-2022-world-cup-winners-qatar
  49. https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/lionel-scaloni-argentina-manager-success-secret-winning-back-lionel-messi-2034316
  50. https://football-italia.net/deschamps-and-scaloni-forged-in-italy/
  51. https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/the-history-that-ties-spains-luis-de-la-fuente-and-argentinas-lionel-scaloni-as-they-chase-tournament-glory/
  52. https://www.essentiallysports.com/soccer-football-news-who-is-lionel-scalonis-wife-elisa-montero-discover-how-many-children-the-argentina-boss-has/
  53. https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j101691.html
  54. https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-scalonis-brother-stopped-by-the-police-in-argentina
  55. https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2022/12/27/109017/mallorca-welcomes-back-world-cup-winning-argentine-coach-lionel-scaloni.html
  56. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/argentina-coach-scaloni-out-of-hospital-after-bicycle-accident-argentine-fa-idUSKCN1RL18W/
  57. https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mundial/nota/_/id/11395168/seleccion-argentina-lionel-scaloni-campeon-mundial-qatar-2022-reconocimiento-pujato-calle-nombre
  58. https://www.argentina.travel/en/news/10-tributes-to-albiceleste-players-in-each-of-their-provinces
  59. https://www.transfermarkt.com/lionel-scaloni/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/7499
  60. https://www.transfermarkt.com/lionel-scaloni/profil/trainer/62271
  61. https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/argentina-world-cup-final-2022-lionel-scaloni-west-ham-b1047773.html
  62. https://copaamerica.com/en/news/copa-america-2021-argentina-champions-after-28-years
  63. https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/11/football/copa-america-intl-spt
  64. https://www.laureus.com/news/lionel-scaloni-reflects-on-argentina-s-fifa-world-cup-victory-in-spirit-of-sport
  65. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39121682/how-argentina-won-2022-world-cup-their-own-words
  66. https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/lionel-scaloni-hails-argentina-for-triple-crown-triumph.phtml
  67. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/argentina-colombia-live-updates-2024-copa-america-final-lionel-messi-result/PfFFJq1426AS/axV3leBjC7Nn/
  68. https://iffhs.com/posts/4078
  69. https://www.globesoccer.com/awards/2024-coach-career-award-lionel-scaloni
  70. https://www.fifa.com/en/articles/scaloni-honoured-with-best-fifa-mens-coach-award-ancelotti-guardiola
  71. https://en.as.com/soccer/lionel-scaloni-wins-best-coach-v/
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