Coach Lionel Scaloni, who led Argentina to the World Cup final, returned home, but the team lost the trophy 1-0 to Spain in overtime.
Lionel Scaloni gets mobbed by fans
After returning from the World Cup, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had to plead with fans who were blocking his path to becoming a dentist. Coach Scaloni’s team suffered heartbreak last Sunday when they lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time in the final.
Argentina entered this summer’s World Cup as favorites after winning the last three tournaments under Scaloni. However, a late goal from Ferran Torres handed the trophy to Spain, who won the final in New Jersey.
But the 48-year-old still returned home to a heroic welcome. Supporters sometimes camp out on the lawn of his garden in the town of Pujato, near Rosario.
Video footage that has gone viral online shows Scaloni trying to weave through crowds of enthusiastic fans as security escorts him to his car. The former West Ham defender high-fived some children, while adults tried to spend a moment with their beloved manager.
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“I have a dentist appointment,” he was heard telling the crowd. “I’ll be right back.”
Scaloni is currently away from Pujato, and his family had to put a note on his door as fans continued to gather. “Leo left last night!!! Thank you for all the love.”
In his genteel manner, Sukarno is said to have come out of his house every afternoon to greet them. The Albiceleste manager signed autographs and took selfies with supporters of all ages.
Soccer fans on social media have been surprised by the warm reception. “It’s like winning the World Cup. So much love,” wrote one person on X.
What do you think about Argentina’s performance at the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
“The best coach they’ve ever had,” one person concluded on Reddit. A third said: “He’s an amazing guy who does so much for his fans. But being surrounded by so many people all the time can be overwhelming.”
One user agreed, writing: “I literally can’t go home without being followed. That’s insane.”
The past eight days have been emotional for Scaloni, who lifted the World Cup four years ago to achieve immortality in his homeland. This year’s final didn’t go as planned, with Scaloni breaking down in tears at the post-match press conference.
He posted a statement on Instagram on Monday, saying, “After an intense week of sadness and joy, tears and smiles, anguish and calm, tension and serenity, I can finally sit down and write a few words. You know I’m not the best at social media, but this may be the best way to get this message across to you.”
“All I can say is that I’m disappointed not to be able to bring home another trophy and give myself another reason to celebrate, to make me forget, even if only for a few days, the hardships of life.
“But look at what we were trying to show you through this group of players, my warriors, as I called them when I told my wife about them: effort, drive, desire, and an ‘I can do it’ attitude of not giving up (even when the odds are against you).”
“Giving the best effort (even when we have nothing left), weathering the rain of cold criticism (from people who don’t know us), remaining calm, and finding the will to keep standing even when the legs no longer follow the brain…that’s the real trophy.
“To the coaching staff, players, AFA staff and those who work quietly behind the scenes to ensure our comfort, we are forever grateful to each and every one of you for the love you have shown us.
“PS: People who have Argentinian friends have a treasure.”
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