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TRIBUNWOW.COM - Here’s the profile of Lionel Scaloni, the coach who has become the centre of attention ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Lionel Scaloni was born in Pujato, Argentina, on May 16, 1978. He will lead the Argentina national team as the defending champion after their triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Before stepping into coaching, Lionel Scaloni was known as a right-back during his playing career.

He began his professional career with Estudiantes in Argentina before moving to Europe, where he played for Deportivo La Coruna, West Ham United, Lazio, Mallorca, and Atalanta.

Scaloni also represented Argentina as a player in the 2006 World Cup.

After retiring, Scaloni joined the Argentina national team’s coaching staff.

He initially served as an assistant coach at Sevilla FC in 2016 before becoming an assistant coach for the Argentina national team in 2017.

In 2018, Scaloni took charge of Argentina’s U-20 team and later joined the senior national team’s coaching staff under Jorge Sampaoli.

His journey as head coach began in 2018 when the Argentine Football Association appointed him to lead the national team following the conclusion of the 2018 World Cup.

The decision raised doubts because Scaloni had no prior experience as a head coach at the professional level.

However, he silenced the sceptics with a series of outstanding achievements.

Scaloni guided Argentina to win the 2021 Copa America, ending the nation’s 28-year trophy drought since 1993.

His success continued with the 2022 Finalissima victory, culminating in the crowning moment at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 48-year-old coach added another major title by winning the Copa America again in 2024.

This remarkable run of triumphs has made the Scaloni era one of Argentina’s most successful periods in recent decades.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Scaloni once again leads Argentina, who have been placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

He has built a strong and balanced squad, blending experienced veterans with emerging young talents to strengthen Argentina’s chances of retaining the world title.

Now, Lionel Scaloni carries a massive mission with La Albiceleste.

If he manages to guide Argentina to another World Cup victory, Scaloni will further cement his legacy in football history as one of the few coaches to defend the World Cup crown in consecutive tournaments.

Busy Match Calendar Increases Player Injury Risks

According to football analyst Adrian, speaking via Tribunnews on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the high intensity of club fixtures before major international tournaments could increase the risk of player injuries.

"In my opinion, it raises the risk of player injuries. Hopefully, no one gets injured during the tournament because that would affect the team’s strength and the overall quality of competition," he said.

Lionel Scaloni Profile

Full name: Lionel Sebastian Scaloni

Date of birth / Age: May 16, 1978 (48)

Place of birth: Pujato, Argentina

Nationality: Argentine

Contract valid until: December 31, 2026

Average tenure as coach: 4.11 years

Preferred formation: 4-4-2

Lionel Scaloni’s Coaching Statistics

• Argentina U-20: 6 matches, 5 wins, 1 loss, 13 goals scored, 4 conceded, 15 points.
• Argentina senior team: 92 matches, 69 wins, 14 draws, 9 losses, 204 goals scored, 57 conceded, 221 points.

Teams Managed

• Argentina U-20 (Head Coach): August 2, 2018 – November 29, 2018.
• Argentina (Interim Head Coach): August 2, 2018 – November 29, 2018.
• Argentina (Head Coach): November 29, 2018 – present.

(TribunWow.com / Intern Participant from STMIK Amikom Surakarta / Astiwi)