Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina manager who led his nation to World Cup 2022 glory and a semi-final at the 2026 tournament, has a little-known history with West Ham United that includes a moment of raw emotion on the pitch. Born on May 16, 1978, in Pujato, Argentina, Scaloni enjoyed a 17-year playing career as a right-back or right midfielder, making over 200 appearances for Deportivo de La Coruña in Spain and a brief loan spell at West Ham in 2006.
Scaloni's West Ham Spell and FA Cup Heartbreak
Scaloni joined West Ham in January 2006 and made 13 appearances for the club. His most memorable moment came in the 2006 FA Cup final against Liverpool. With West Ham leading 3-2 in the 90th minute, Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé went down with severe leg cramps. Scaloni, displaying sportsmanship, kicked the ball out of play to allow treatment. When play resumed, Liverpool returned the ball to West Ham, but Scaloni panicked and rushed a poor clearance up the middle. Liverpool regained possession and scored in stoppage time, forcing extra time. The Reds won on penalties, and Scaloni broke down in tears on the pitch, a moment that remains etched in football lore.
Managerial Rise and Trophy Haul
After retiring in 2015, Scaloni began coaching as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli at Sevilla in 2016, then joined the Argentina national team staff in 2017. Following Sampaoli's exit after the 2018 World Cup, Scaloni was appointed caretaker manager and later given the role permanently. He ended Argentina's 28-year major trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa América in Brazil, followed by the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He then defended the Copa América title in 2024, cementing his legacy.
World Cup 2026 Semi-Final
Scaloni now leads Argentina into a World Cup 2026 semi-final against England, scheduled for 8pm UK time (3pm local) in Atlanta. The match pits two of football's most storied nations against each other, with Scaloni seeking to add another chapter to his remarkable tenure.
