How Did Lionel Scaloni Build the Argentine National Team Around Lionel Messi?

Since his arrival in 2018, Scaloni has transformed the Albiceleste into a united and competitive team, with Messi as the central figure.

The beginning

Lionel Scaloni took over the Argentine National Team on August 2, 2018, following the departure of Jorge Sampaoli and the blow that the World Cup in Russia represented. Initially, his role was interim, but he quickly proved that he could lead a generational change. The AFA's decision to ratify him was key: since then, the Albiceleste has transformed into a family that has started winning titles again.

Get the Number 10 back

The first step of Scaloni was to bring back Lionel Messi, who had been going through difficult times with the national team. He got him back and then surrounded the captain with young players willing to play for him. That locker room became a space of admiration and commitment, where the footballers repeated: "We play for Messi." With that communion, the titles began to come one after another.

The first victory, titles and future

The 2021 Copa América marked the beginning of the golden era with an epic victory at the Maracanã against Brazil, with a goal from Ángel Di María, following an emotional rallying cry from Messi. Then came the Finalissima 2022, with a resounding 3-0 victory against Italy at Wembley. The 2022 Qatar World Cup was the highlight: after the initial defeat against Saudi Arabia, Scaloni revolutionised the team, and Messi lifted his first star. In 2024, the Albiceleste repeated in the Copa América with a goal from Lautaro Martínez in extra time against Colombia.

Now, in the 2026 World Cup, Argentina seeks to reaffirm its star. They are already in the Round of 16 after defeating Algeria and Austria, with five goals from Messi, the only scorer for the team so far in the tournament. For the moment, Leo Messi is the only scorer for Argentina in this World Cup.