Lionel Scaloni is set to oversee his 100th game as Argentina boss on Friday as the defending champions take on Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32, marking a standout personal milestone during one of the most decorated periods in the national team’s history.
The 48-year-old former right back took charge in late 2018 after Argentina’s difficult World Cup experience under Jorge Sampaoli. Before becoming the senior coach, he had worked with the squad as a youth coach and later as Sampaoli’s assistant.
Scaloni insisted nothing has changed in his mindset following Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Jordan on Saturday. “I’m the same as on the first day, in exactly the same way,” he said.
He also described the emotional edge that comes with playing each match, adding: “Every time you play a match, you feel something inside. We always feel something in the pit of our stomach.”
“There is no such thing as a relaxed match. We make it that way ourselves because that’s how we feel. The day it stops being like that will be a problem,” Scaloni continued.
Quick facts
- Lionel Scaloni will coach his 100th Argentina match on Friday vs Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32.
- He took over Argentina in late 2018 after the World Cup under Jorge Sampaoli.
- Argentina won Copa America in 2021, the World Cup in 2022, and Copa America again in 2024.
- Scaloni is approaching Guillermo Stabile’s Argentina coaching record of 124 matches.
- Scaloni’s record from his first 99 games: 72 wins, 18 draws and nine defeats.
Initially appointed on an interim basis, Scaloni reshaped Argentina’s trajectory, first delivering the 2021 Copa America title, their first major trophy since 1993. He then led them to World Cup success in 2022 and followed it with another Copa America triumph in 2024.
With his 100th appearance, Scaloni moves closer to Guillermo Stabile’s benchmark of 124 matches in charge of Argentina. He already sits ahead of other World Cup-winning coaches Cesar Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, each of whom managed the team 79 times.
Coming off a strong group run, Argentina posted victories over Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0) and Jordan (3-1). Scaloni summed up the mood after that near-flawless group stage, saying: “We’re in a good place, and now another stage of the World Cup begins. Now comes the best part.”
While Argentina’s achievements have drawn plenty of attention, opponents have also spoken with respect for Scaloni’s work. Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic, who previously managed Scaloni at Lazio, said ahead of their meeting: “It’s a great pleasure to see him again. I have a wonderful relationship with Leo, and I hope it stays that way after the match.”
As Argentina prepare for Friday’s knockout test, Scaloni’s record from his 99 previous matches reads 72 wins, 18 draws and nine defeats—setting the stage for a 100th game that could further underline his impact on the team.
