Scaloni on the brink of history as Argentina coach

Lionel Scaloni is set to reach another landmark in his remarkable tenure as Argentina head coach when the reigning world champions face Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Saturday (July 4) at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

The knockout clash will mark Scaloni's 100th match in charge of La Albiceleste, making him only the second coach in Argentina's history to reach the century mark after legendary Guillermo Stábile.

Despite the milestone, the 48-year-old insisted his focus remains firmly on the task at hand rather than personal achievements.

"I'm exactly the same as I was on the first day I took charge of the national team," Scaloni said after Argentina's victory over Jordan. Asked whether he felt relaxed ahead of facing underdogs Cape Verde, he replied that every match brings the same pressure.

"There's always that feeling in your stomach before a game. There are no easy matches in football," he said.

Scaloni took over as Argentina's interim head coach following the team's disappointing 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign, replacing Jorge Sampaoli. Initially viewed as a temporary appointment, the former Argentina defender transformed the national team into one of world football's dominant forces within a few years.

Under his leadership, Argentina ended a 28-year major trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa América, before lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He later guided the Albiceleste to another Copa América title and the Finalissima, cementing one of the most successful eras in the country's football history.

Scaloni also oversaw Argentina's memorable 36-match unbeaten run between 2019 and 2022, establishing a new national record during one of the team's finest periods.

Only Guillermo Stábile has managed more matches as Argentina coach. Appointed in 1939 after starring as the top scorer at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, Stábile remained in charge for 127 matches over a 21-year spell, leading Argentina to six South American Championship titles.

Scaloni's record underlines his extraordinary success. In 99 matches, Argentina have won 72, drawn 18 and lost only nine, a remarkable return that has already secured his place among the greatest coaches in the nation's football history.

Now, as he prepares to bring up a century of matches on the touchline, Scaloni has another opportunity to add a new chapter to an already glittering legacy.