The night in Atlanta was one of those that are etched in fire. Argentina’s national team suffered, fought, and ultimately secured an agonizing victory over Egypt that earned them a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. But the one who felt it most was Lionel Scaloni, who couldn’t hide his emotion either on the field or later, in the press conference.
«It was an incredible test, one of those that mark you. When things get worse, we give everything,» began the coach from Santa Fe, still visibly moved. And then he let out a confession that made clear his visceral connection with the team: «I became a coach to keep having these emotions after I stopped playing. Not because I like being a coach.»
Scaloni, who had already cried on the field, explained that the victory over the Pharaohs is on par with the most glorious moments of his tenure. «The magnitude of today is comparable to many things we have experienced because it is a team that never stops moving forward. Football is this. Tactics and strategy are important, but if you don’t have what we had today, we would have been eliminated. As Leo said at the time, these players won’t let you down,» he stated.
The 48-year-old coach analyzed the match and highlighted that the national team always had control of the game, even when Egypt equalized twice. «If I had to lose, I preferred to do it this way. I would love that if it ever happens, it happens this way, with the team showing character. The feeling at 2-2 was that we could turn it around. I didn’t have to tell them to keep going; they did it on their own because they realized the game was there,» he said.
Asked about his tears, Scaloni revealed the nickname the players gave him: «I always get emotional. The guys call me ‘La Llorona’ but I don’t care, haha. To feel again what we felt today is incredible.» And he closed without giving hints about the next opponent: «There are no preferences for rivals. Colombia and Switzerland are both great teams. Colombia is always tough for us, and Switzerland has a lot of World Cup experience.»
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para mi los egipcios se la creyeron pero scaloni les mostro q la garra argentina es mas q la tactica de zurdos estos lagrimas de macho al fin no como los trolos q critican desde casa vamos argentina carajo aguanten los pibes de scaloni 💪🇦🇷
Para mí Scaloni llora porque sabe que esto es la resistencia del sur global contra la FIFA capitalista. Egipto hermano, pero la táctica burguesa no existe acá, solo el corazón obrero. Vamos Argentina carajo, a romper el sistema de mierda. Esto huele a gloria del pueblo.