Scaloni to reach 100 games as Argentina coach during World Cup 2026

Lionel Scaloni, the architect of Argentina's recent footballing success, is on the verge of a significant milestone: his 100th match as head coach of the national team. The landmark will be reached during the 2026 World Cup knockout stages when Argentina faces Cape Verde in Miami.

Since taking the helm in September 2018, initially on an interim basis, the 48-year-old Scaloni has guided Argentina through a golden era. His trophy cabinet boasts two Copa América titles (2021, 2024), a Finalissima (2022), and, most importantly, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This triumph ended a 40-year wait for football's biggest prize, harkening back to Diego Maradona's victory in 1986.

Scaloni's journey was not without skepticism; even the legendary Maradona expressed doubts about his coaching abilities in 2018. However, Scaloni, a former player who represented Argentina internationally and played alongside a young Lionel Messi in the 2006 World Cup, has forged an exceptionally successful and united squad. Under his guidance, Argentina achieved a remarkable 36-game unbeaten streak between July 2019 and November 2022.

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I haven't thought about it, honestly. Nor am I worried about what will be said. What interests me is that people have felt identified with the team's approach, with the feeling that we were a team representing our people, and nothing more.

Reflecting on the upcoming centenary, Scaloni admitted he never anticipated reaching such a figure, especially with the weight of the Argentine jersey. "I haven't thought about it, honestly," he stated. "Nor am I worried about what will be said. What interests me is that people have felt identified with the team's approach, with the feeling that we were a team representing our people, and nothing more."

Scaloni has cultivated a deeply unified team centered around the undisputed star, Lionel Messi. His humble, serene demeanor and respect for Argentine football culture have been key to forging this successful "Scaloneta," as the team is affectionately known. His tenure has transformed Argentina into arguably the most successful national team of the decade.

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100 games, honestly, I never thought about it in my life. It's a lot, and even more with this jersey, a very nice moment when it happens.