Coach Scaloni humorously explains 'Indian' metaphor after Argentina's World Cup semi-final win

In the jubilant aftermath of Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory against England, coach Lionel Scaloni found himself in a moment of lighthearted self-awareness. During a post-match interview, Scaloni referred to his players as "indios" – a term he quickly clarified was meant in a positive sense, to describe their bravery, resilience, and upbringing in demanding environments. His immediate, sheepish glance towards his wife, captured by cameras, led to a spontaneous smile and the self-deprecating question, "Me la mandé, ¿no?" (I messed up, didn't I?).

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I know them. I know what they are like. I know they are Indians, they are Indians, but in the good sense of the word, in the good sense of the word.

Scaloni elaborated on his choice of words, explaining that the term "indios" was intended to convey the players' fearlessness and competitive spirit, honed from a young age in situations where much was expected of them. He emphasized that they do not feel the weight of responsibility, citing Lionel Messi's crucial role in the final minutes and the team's overall determination. He reiterated that the metaphor was used "in the good sense of the word," highlighting their upbringing in "extreme situations."

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They have grown up in environments where they were not afraid of anything, where they were the best everywhere, they competed from a young age and everyone expected a lot from them. Responsibility does not weigh on them, that was the word I couldn't find.

Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Scaloni acknowledged his personal connection with the Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente, who was his instructor in a coaching course. Despite this mutual respect, Scaloni made his team's objective clear: "On Sunday, I'm sorry, we are going to try to beat them." He expressed hope that Spaniards would be happy for Argentina's presence in the final, given the joy Lionel Messi has brought to the country.

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And sorry for the 'Indian' comment, but I mean it well, in the good sense of the word. They have grown up in extreme situations.

Scaloni's press conference also touched upon the team's journey, contrasting the "epic" classification against Egypt and the "historic" win against Switzerland with the magnitude of reaching the final. He admitted that the coaching staff initially thought there wouldn't be more emotionally charged matches, but the players' spirit proved otherwise. The final against Spain is set to be a highly anticipated clash, with both teams aiming to lift the coveted World Cup trophy.

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It was my teacher in the coaching course and I have a particular relationship with him. It is a great team and he has carried out brilliant work with his selection.