Lionel Scaloni abandoned his post-match interview in tears, unable to finish even a single answer after Argentina’s breathtaking 3-2 comeback win over Egypt booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals. The 48-year-old manager, speaking in Spanish, told a reporter: “I can’t look at you, I’m sorry. I’m too emotional, what a group of players. My brother, that’s all... I have to go, I can’t.”
Scaloni had just watched his side overturn a 2-0 deficit in little more than 10 minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a turnaround spearheaded by Lionel Messi. The captain, who had squandered a penalty early in the first half, contributed a goal and an assist – including a late equaliser that levelled the game at 2-2 before the reigning champions struck the winner. Messi wept at the final whistle, his hopes of a second World Cup intact after appearing doomed just 20 minutes earlier.
“Scaloni breaks down in tears as Messi inspires 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, advancing to World Cup quarter-finals.”
“Messi missed a penalty but he asks for the ball again and he drives, again and again,” Scaloni said earlier, before emotion got the better of him. “I get goosebumps, to be honest. This is who we are, as Argentinians. We play our hearts out.” His players hoisted the 39-year-old into the air as coaching staff and supporters wept, scenes that bore a striking resemblance to the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup final.
Egypt’s furious manager cried “injustice” in the wake of the dramatic events. The knockout phase has been complete mayhem so far, and Argentina’s emotional response – from manager to talisman – underlines just how high the stakes have become.