The Argentine gale at The Best awards that FIFA delivered last Monday in Paris did not allow the great news of Lionel Scaloni
's renewal
until 2026 to shine as it should.
The awards to
Lionel Messi
,
Emiliano Martínez
, the DT himself and even the Argentine fans personified in the popular
Tula and its hype
left in the background the photo of the coach born in Pujato with
Claudio Tapia
, president of the AFA, announcing the continuity that everyone wanted and asked.
But with the foam of those deserved laurels already in retreat, and before the officialization by the National Team of the first friendlies after the coronation in Qatar 2022, the spotlight is once again on the coach who already works on the list of
quoted He will give the next few days for these meetings that will serve to meet again
and continue celebrating, but also to outline the new challenges that the Scaleneta will pursue.
Because, beyond having achieved everything (Copa América, Finalissima and World Cup), Argentina will now go out to play as the world champion, a
label that it must assume and defend in each presentation
, be it an exhibition or for points.
Photo: Fernando de la Orden / Special Envoy - Clarin
"I already need to go back to the competition, think about the list, the training sessions
," Scaloni had expressed with his The Best for the best DT on the planet, as voted for by colleagues, captains, journalists and supporters, in hand.
And that, after all, is the first sign that the motivation for Coach Lionel is intact.
He wants to go for more.
What does it mean to go for more?
Scaloni lives an ideal present: the team is consolidated and his idea of the game is reflected on the field regardless of who executes it, the human group has no fissures, the criticisms -which were harsh due to his initial inexperience- do not exist and he has just being recognized as the best in his field by the entire atmosphere of the number five ball.
Well, now one of his tests will be knowing how to move in these waters, new to him.
You won't find it boggy ground if you stay true to your
low-profile, down-to-earth, restrained
style .
Getting his guys to keep up the intensity and not regulate their energy now that they've reached peak glory will be another issue.
Photo: AP / Michel Euler.
Motivation will spare.
Playing with the third star embroidered on the shirt is already a source of pride that they will want to continue living from within.
The first indication that the desire will be at its peak was given by
Angel Di María
, who had announced his retirement from the National Team after the World Cup and has now announced that he will try to reach at least the next Copa América, in 2024 in the United States. Joined.
There are no backpacks anymore. There are no more walls to break. There are no more barriers to raise
.
The fear may be that a general relaxation occurs.
However, this squad took off the heaviest backpack after the 2021 maracanazo and then wanted to go for more in Qatar.
The start of the Qualifiers for 2026, scheduled for the second part of this year, put the start of the official competition on the horizon.
But without a doubt, defending the current title of champion of the continent is the first great carrot to pursue.
And without a doubt, the first great challenge.
Then yes, in little more than three years, another World Cup will come.
And there, the incentive will be to win two in a row for the first time in history.
Dibu already said it:
"For me we are not the best in history yet. But if we repeat what we won, yes
. "
Internally, Scaloni will have other issues to face in parallel.
The continuity of the project also leads to resolving the vacant position in the Sub 20 before the departure of
Javier Mascherano
.
His word, as well as that of the other members of the coaching staff, the youth team coordinator (
Bernando Romeo
) and the AFA, will be vital in choosing the right name.
Another of the tasks to be carried out in this new post-Qatar stage will be to
assemble the young values to this already established team
.
One of the virtues of the group leader Scaloni is not to close ranks with the same as always, regardless of holding a base.
What happened on Arab soil is a clear example: players with fewer minutes and experience in the National Team, such as
Julián Alvarez
,
Enzo Fernández
and
Alexis Mac Allister
, ended up getting into the starting team and being a vital part of the world title, relegating even names that They seemed untouchable in the cycle like Lautaro Martínez and Leandro Paredes.
Alejandro Garnacho celebrates after Manchester United's victory against Barcelona in the Europa League playoffs, Thursday, February 23, 2023. Photo: AP / Dave Thompson.
There are values that have been emerging in Europe and that the Albiceleste coach has been following closely.
In fact, several of them have even been quoted from time to time to see them train up close and for the kids to get to know and become familiar with the work of the Major.
They are
Garnacho
,
Paz
,
Carboni
,
Luka Romero
,
Soulé
, among others.
Finding a place for them, as they earn it, of course, will be essential in this part of the process, aiming for the 2026 World Cup that will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Photo: Fifa.com
Lionel Messi is a challenge in itself for Scaloni
.
The DT has already earned the respect and esteem of the captain, who called him "my coach" on stage at the gala in Paris.
The Gringo will try to take him to Leo in such a way that he can show him that it is not impossible for him to be in the next World Cup event.
It will depend on how Messi himself feels year after year, but from the start Scaloni will seek to convince him by keeping him comfortable and motivated with light blue and white clothing at every opportunity.
Almost there.
La Scaloneta will meet again to face
Panama
on March 23 at the Monumental and
Curacao
on March 28 at the Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero.
There will be a great celebration.
But the premises of the new challenges of a Selection that wants to go for more will also be laid.
look also
When does Lionel Messi come to Argentina to play with the National Team?
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The threat to Messi in Rosario, a step back for the illusion of seeing him play at Newell's
Messi, Tapia and an Albiceleste meeting in Paris
The future of Dibu Martínez, destined for a big team: "There are very few clubs that can pay for it"
Juanma Rodríguez, Messi's "hater" ranted against "The Best" and says that the Argentine is given the prizes
Angel Di María, world champion: is he the third most important player in the National Team behind Messi and Maradona?
Dibu Martínez answers the question: what place does Di María occupy in the history of the National Team?
The history of the gold Iphone for the players of the National Team: what is behind the expensive gift that involves Lionel Messi
