Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who masterminded the South Americans’ penalty shoot-out victory over France in Sunday’s World Cup final, called on his compatriots to enjoy the glory.”It hasn’t yet sunk in, but this is a moment to enjoy, especially the people. We who live by this have had ups and downs. We’re used to these things happening to us, taking blows.” Scaloni fulfilled the dreams of generations, but he only became the Argentina coach by chance. He was the national team’s assistant coach four years ago. Still, a series of events in the national football association led to him being given the job on a permanent basis. It’s a fairytale-like story, but he made it true. He also guided Argentina to Copa America victory last year, thus ending a 28-year wait for a major trophy.”This is what happened today, France reacted, and that’s a huge credit to them. Above all, it is an incredible enjoyment to be at the top. As we are, it’s something unique. My parents gave me a way of understanding, of never giving up, and of never going against anyone else, but to always go forwards. Today it paid off! I was lucky to be here and I’m thankful to everyone.”SOMOS CAMPEONES 🇦🇷 GRACIAS SELECCIÓN 💙GRACIAS SCALONI 💙 pic.twitter.com/wkESAShS3d— Lucas Diez ⚓ (@Lucas_Diez) December 18, 2022 It was the third world title for Argentina and the first since the late Diego Maradona won the trophy almost single-handedly in 1986. For Argentina players and captain Messi, who netted twice in the 120 minutes before also scoring in the shoot-out, it was the biggest title of their careers.Messi’s Argentine team had made the final as recently as 2014 but on that occasion, they finished second best to Germany. This time, however, they had the humble and knowledgeable Scaloni to lead them.
