Argentina clinched a historic win over Egypt and Scaloni couldn't hide his emotion
Argentina staged a comeback from 2-2 to 3-2 against Egypt in the World Cup 2026 round of 16, and coach Lionel Scaloni confessed that he trains “to feel those sensations”. With Lionel Messi scoring in the final minutes, the Albiceleste moved into the quarter‑finals while the manager, visibly moved, explained why he chose the bench.
In the post‑match press conference, Scaloni admitted that, although the side was “losing and still not playing badly”, he felt the game was on their side. “That’s why I became a coach, when I stopped playing, to have these emotions,” he stated, emphasizing that his job isn’t for pleasure but for the passion each victory brings.
When the final whistle blew, Messi couldn’t hold back tears. Scaloni noted the captain was “emotional, with tears in the dressing room”, and that the moment should inspire the substitutes watching. “It’s wonderful, seeing number 10 with goose‑bumps,” the coach added.
Scaloni highlighted that the magnitude of the result compares with “many great things we have lived”. He said without the resilience shown, the team would have been eliminated. Now, with the win, Argentina enters the quarters on a three‑match winning streak (3W‑0D‑0L) and recalling its last result: Angola 0‑2 Argentina (2025‑11‑14).
The next challenge will be against the winner of the Brazil‑France clash, a showdown that promises to raise the stakes. Scaloni assured the squad will keep sharpening tactics and a winning mindset, maintaining belief in the ability to “always move forward”. With fans cheering and the coaching staff motivated, the Albiceleste aims to repeat past glory and fight for the 2026 title.
