How Lionel Scaloni Became A Giant-Slayer: Untold Beginnings

The untold story of Lionel Scaloni is a tale about a football technician who once feared flying but had a passion for taking down giants. During his playing days, Scaloni famously disrupted the celebrations of Zidane’s and Ronaldo de Lima’s Real Madrid while at Deportivo La Coruña. Scaloni never forgets his roots or the people who shaped him. We’ll share the story of a family breadwinner whose older brother, Mauro, also pursued football. Lionel Scaloni is more than just a soccer coach; he is a perfectionist who admires Marcelo Bielsa and led Argentina to win both the 2021 Copa America and the Greatest of All –  2022 FIFA World Cup.

Raised by his parents in the small town of Pujato, Scaloni earned the nickname “La Scaloneta” from his followers, a title he is somewhat uncomfortable with. With deep family roots, thanks to his father Ángel (a former footballer, cargo truck owner and farmer), wife Elisa Montero, and children Ian and Noah, Lionel’s story transcends football, offering insights into his personal life, values, and the legacy he is building. Now, let’s dive into his story.

How Lionel Scaloni Became A Giant-Slayer: Untold Beginnings

How Lionel Scaloni Became A Giant-Slayer: Untold Beginnings

Preamble:

Our version of Lionel Scaloni’s Biography begins by telling you the most notable events of his boyhood and early life. Afterwards, we’ll take you on the journey of his amazing football days as a player.

Then, we’ll tell you how he (a very young man) became the coach of a powerful Argentine team. Not forgetting, we’ll tell you how he won the hearts of people who doubted his ability to command Argentina football.

We hope to make its version of Lionel Scaloni’s Biography very engaging. To begin doing that, let’s explore the making of a visionary manager, from his early days to his triumphs on the global stage and the life he cherishes off the pitch. You see this Argentine hero?… he has indeed come a long way in his amazing life journey.

The Biography of Lionel Scaloni - From his early years to that moment, he shocked the entire world.

The Biography of Lionel Scaloni – From his early years to that moment, he shocked the entire world.

Yes, everyone knows he is that man who has got millions of people connected to watching the Argentine national team football again.

After many years of failure at big tournaments, the South American country finally found a hero in Scaloni. Lionel is a guy who doesn’t mess around, as shown in how he commands his team. Did you see Scaloni play as a footballer?

Despite the things he has done for his country, we found a knowledge gap in research bordering the soccer coach’s history. Truth is, not many soccer lovers have read an in-depth version of Lionel Scaloni’s Biography. So, therefore, we have taken our time to prepare it, and without further ado, let’s begin.

Lionel Scaloni Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the nicknames – “La Scaloneta” and “Galgo”. His full names are Lionel Sebastián Scaloni.

The professional football manager was born on the 16th day of May 1978 to his parents – Mr and Mrs Ángel Scaloni, in the town of Pujato. His birthplace (Pujato) is in the Province of Santa Fe, in the centre-east of Argentina.

Lionel Scaloni did not arrive in the world alone, as he has an older sibling. He goes by the name Mauro Scaloni. Lionel Scaloni’s brother, Mauro, is two years older than him.

Both siblings were raised by their parents in a small town in Santa Fe, called Pujato. To this day, a large part of Lionel Scaloni’s family still lives there.

Lionel Scaloni’s Early Life:

The football fields in Pujato were where it all began for the Argentine coach and his older brother, Mauro.

Ángel Scaloni (Lionel’s Dad) gave his boys the football training they needed to pass trails at their first academy.

Their Dad’s tough character was what undoubtedly influenced Scaloni’s football personality. A personality football fans enjoy today.

Lionel also honed his soccer skills alongside his best friend, Mauricio Sesana. The boys, together with Mauro, utilized their afternoons for the game (back in the day). Mauricio Sesana, today, remains Scaloni’s best friend.

He was a witness to Lionel Scaloni and Elisa’s wedding. As a boy, Lionel had a soccer passion overflowing him, and he was also very mischievous.

Soccer was always in his blood, and he had no other ambition than to become a professional footballer.

Lionel Scaloni Family Background:

First things first, the Argentine football manager came from very humble beginnings. Lionel Scaloni’s parents are practically farmers.

In the small town of Pujato, the family has since the 1980s grown corn, wheat and soybeans in their agricultural fields.

Ángel Scaloni, Lionel’s father, used to own a cargo truck, which helped him transport the family’s farm produce to the market for sale.

Aside from being a farmer, Lionel Scaloni’s father, Ángel, was a former footballer. Following his abrupt retirement, he vowed to continue living his soccer dreams through his sons.

He took care of his family with proceeds from the sale of their farm produce. With such humble beginnings, it is hard for the Argentine manager and his siblings to forget the home that made them.

No matter how successful he has become, Lionel Scaloni never forgets those who stood by him. Meet the people the Argentine manager calls family.

No matter how successful he has become, Lionel Scaloni never forgets those who stood by him. Meet the people the Argentine manager calls family.

Well respected in his hometown:

Pujato, where Lionel Scaloni’s parents raised him, is a place he returns to when his soccer schedule allows it.

He often returns to his place of origin to see his Dad, Mum, Siblings, and relatives. Also, to take a walk and ride a favourite bike through the Pujato streets where he grew up.

As many would say, Ángel Scaloni (Lionel’s Dad) is a man who is capable of doing anything for his wife and children.

You can hardly visit Pujato without seeing signs of his son, who is the town’s biggest hero. No doubt, Lionel Scaloni is the pride of his town.

The entrance of Pujato exhibits giant posters and several murals of him – all thanks for his national achievements.

These giant posters in the town where his parents raised him say a lot about the man people call "The hero of Pujato."

These giant posters in the town where his parents raised him say a lot about the man people call “The hero of Pujato.”

Lionel Scaloni Family Origin:

First thing first, the son of Ángel has Argentine nationality. As you may have noticed in this Biography writeup, Lionel Scaloni’s family members are natives of Pujato, a small town in Santa Fe.

Where he comes from, Pujato is a village with about 3,700 residents.

As noticed from this map, Lionel Scaloni’s hometown is a 37-minute drive from Rosario – which is the birthplace of Ángel Di María, Ángel Correa and Éver Banega.

This map gallery depicts Pujato, where Lionel Scaloni's parents had him.

This map gallery depicts Pujato, where Lionel Scaloni’s parents had him.

Lionel Scaloni Ethnicity:

The Argentine’s ancestry is traced to Europe. Lionel Scaloni is of European descent. His great-grandparents are descendants of immigrants who moved to Argentina in the 19th Century.

Also, from an ethnicity standpoint, the manager identifies with a large group of his country people known as “pueblos Indígenas.”

Lionel Scaloni Education:

Results from our research show he attended Bernardino Rivadavia Elementary School 227 in Pujato. Lionel Scaloni began his education at this institution at the age of 7.

He once said that he liked going to school, and if given the opportunity, he would like to revert back to age 7 – the time he began schooling and had zero worries in life.

Lionel Scaloni was quite a character during his schooling days. Aside from reading his books, he was so attached to his bicycle and soccer ball.

Now, here are the words of his 80-year-old neighbour and a close friend of the Scaloni family.

As a boy, Lionel made me laugh a lot, and he would often come with his friends to ask for my inflator.
His love for his bicycle and soccer ball identified him at every step along those paths that saw him grow up in Pujato.
When Lionel returned from school, he would waste no time going out together with his brother Mauro to play soccer in the street.
If it wasn’t soccer, they would ride their bike. There was not a day when driving their bicycles did not happen.

Lionel Scaloni Biography – Untold Football Story:

The great journey of his career began in the 1980s. Along with his brother Mauro, Lionel Scaloni took his first steps at Club Sportivo Matienzo.

On this club’s fence (in Pujato), you can find the poster of the man who excites the entire country. Lionel Scaloni’s early years were passed around this coordinate, which is filled with wisteria-scented trees.

A view of Club Sportivo Matienzo, where Lionel and his brother, Mauro, had their first footballing steps.

A view of Club Sportivo Matienzo, where Lionel and his brother, Mauro, had their first footballing steps.

Newell’s Old Boys:

While at the academy, Lionel Scaloni and his brother received extra soccer training from their disciplinarian father, Ángel.

The effort of their Dad paid early dividends as little Lionel and Mauro, in 1993, moved further by passing trials with Newell’s Old Boys academy. Playing for this great Rosario team was what the Dad wanted for his sons.

Ángel Scaloni was desperate to see his sons succeed, and he never got shy of using his cargo truck to transport the boys from their family home to Rosario training ground.

For more than 300 miles a week, Ángel and his sons would travel every morning and return in the afternoons.

While he was with this great club, Scaloni got lucky to be among the boys who witnessed the unveiling of the great Diego Armando Maradona. The Argentine Legend, at that time, had just signed for the Rosario-based club.

When Lionel and Mauro graduated from the Rosario Nursery, it was their Dad (Ángel) who took charge of their professional contract negotiations.

Journey to Europe:

As a professional footballer, Lionel wanted to play further on the pitch. However, Raúl Donsanti, the then technical director at Newell’s (at the time), decided to place him as a right-back.

Lionel carried on with that position and played 12 games for Newell before Ángel (his Dad) approved his son’s transfer to Estudiantes de La Plata.

Performing excellently at this new club gave Scaloni the opportunity to represent Argentina at the Malaysia 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.

That tournament boasted of big names like Thierry Henry. Did you know?… Lionel Scaloni caught the eyes of European scouts after he scored this goal against Brazil.

The Argentine was instrumental in helping his country win the tournament in a final against Uruguay.

After winning the U20 World Cup in Malaysia with José Pekerman as their coach, Lionel Scaloni and his brother immediately transferred to a European club.

The Argentine team celebrating the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.

The Argentine team was celebrating the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.

In December 1997, Lionel Scaloni and his brother joined Spain’s Deportivo de La Coruña for 405 million pesetas.

Here is an old photo of the proud Dad, Ángel Scaloni, just after negotiating his son’s transfer deals. Ángel is pictured alongside Lionel (left) and Mauro (right).

Young Lionel Scaloni, with his father (Ángel), and older brother (Mauro), just after signing for Deportivo La Coruña.

Young Lionel Scaloni, with his father (Ángel), and older brother (Mauro), just after signing for Deportivo La Coruña.

Life in Europe:

Lionel Scaloni featured for the Galicians over an eight-and-a-half-year period. With this less-popular Spanish club, he won the 1999/2000 La Liga trophy.

Scaloni went on to help the club lift the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España in 2001 and 2022, respectively.

Did you know?… Lionel Scaloni won the Copa del Rey against the famous Galácticos of Real Madrid. The defeat to a Roberto Carlos and Iker Casillas side saw Real Madrid’s 100 years of existence Centenary Celebration being spoilt.

Yes, Lionel Scaloni spoilt Real Madrid’s party. When found after the match and asked about the meaning of the victory against Real Madrid, Lionel Scaloni screamed,

“We screwed up the party, we screwed up the party!!!

The truth is, that was how Scaloni was back in the day. He had so much pure energy and electricity in his body, something that made him a technically undisputed player. Scaloni was loved, respected and feared by his opponents.

The Argentine (thanks to his popularity) gained a place in the club’s locker room, especially when Irureta arrived as technical director.

Later career years:

After falling out with his manager, Joaquín Caparrós, Scaloni (on the 31st of January 2006) accepted a transfer from West Ham United.

The Argentine helped the East Londoners to reach the FA Cup final, which he lost after a penalty shootout to Harry Kewell’s Liverpool side.

Scaloni’s transfer to Westham was actually on loan. Because the Hammers could not seal a permanent move for him, he found his way to the Italian side, S.S. Lazio.

Following his departure, West Ham decided to sign Argentine Soccer Legends Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano from Corinthians. Lionel Scalloni (at age 29) enjoyed a great time at Lazio.

Before hanging up his football boots in 2015, he played for RCD Mallorca and Atalanta B.C.

A photo of the Argentine manager during his latter years as a football player.

A photo of the Argentine manager during his latter years as a football player.

Playing days with Argentina:

Not many football fans know that Lionel Scaloni, Juan Román Riquelme and Pablo Aimar were teammates who (in 1997) won the U20 champions in Malaysia.

Sadly, he was without his best friend, Aimar, at the 2002 World Cup. That 2002 World Cup had star names like Gabriel Batistuta, Mauricio Pochettino (Ex-Tottenham coach) and Diego Simeone (the later Atletico Madrid coach).

2006 was a pivotal year for Scaloni in terms of participation in the World Cup in Germany. Under the tutelage of José Pékerman (his coach at Malaysia 97), he finally made the squad for the global tournament.

Lionel Scalloni played only one game at the 2006 World Cup and retired from his country’s football afterwards.

Lionel Scaloni Bio – Managerial Story:

Before retiring from professional football, the Argentine already knew what he wanted to be, a technical director. Scaloni was smart enough to prepare himself on time – as he took several courses and training.

When he took his first job with the Mallorca youth team, Scaloni agreed and planned to work with Jorge Sampaoli, who managed Sevilla.

Within a season of becoming Sevilla’s assistant manager, his Boss (Jorge Sampaoli) got the prestigious Argentine national team job.

A loyal Lionel Scaloni was picked by Jorge Sampaoli as his assistant coach for their national team. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Scaloni became an integral part of Jorge Sampaoli’s organization.

Here is a rare photo of the future Argentine coach with Lionel Messi, Angel di Maria and Mascherano after winning that unforgettable 2018 FIFA World Cup match against Ahmed Musa’s Nigerian team.

Scaloni was an integral part of Sampaoli's technical team during the 2018 FIFA World cup in Russia. He took this photo with these Argentine Legends after their win against Nigeria.

Scaloni was an integral part of Sampaoli’s technical team during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He took this photo with these Argentine Legends after their win against Nigeria.

Although Lionel Scaloni fulfilled the task he was asked to do during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, his boss (unfortunately) lost his way. The late-minute goals from Sergio Aguero weren’t enough to stop the firepower of Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Pavard.

On the 30th of June 2018, France defeated Argentina. Following the defeat, there were rumours of a coup and fight by players, followed by Jorge Sampaoli ‘s resignation.

Lionel Scaloni Biography – Success Story:

After Jorge Sampaoli’s resignation from the Argentine senior team, the country’s football association decided not to sack his technical crew.

One year after Argentina failed the World Cup in Russia, Scaloni and Pablo Aimar were named caretaker managers until the end of 2019. At that time, Scaloni was also tasked with coaching Argentina’s under-20 side.

That u-20 team, at that time, was to participate in the traditional L’Alcudia tournament. While everything was still in chaos with the Argentina senior team, Scaloni focused on his goals.

Did you know?… He won the L’Alcudia tournament with the Argentine youngsters. Despite winning it, Scaloni’s success with the youth did not get the media’s attention. But unknown to everyone, that would be the greatest springboard of his entire coaching career.

The chosen one:

A decision by the Argentine Football Federation to get a replacement for Jorge Sampaoli became a difficult task. To the shock of many, Scaloni became the chosen one, thanks to his brand-new youth championship.

The decision to make him a national team coach was unexpected for many reasons. First, everyone saw Scaloni as inexperienced and too young to take charge of one of the biggest soccer teams in the world.

For the country’s fans, joy overfilled their hearts thanks to how Argentine senior players responded and performed well under Scaloni’s command. Two games were enough for the coach to get all the love he wanted from fans.

Lionel Scaloni’s young age plus the little experience no longer placed him in a sea of ​​doubts after his players gave him their hearts – as observed here.

Scaloni was closest to these players from day one. Following his appointment as permanent coach, they vowed to fight for him.

Scaloni was closest to these players from day one. Following his appointment as permanent coach, they vowed to fight for him.

Leading La Albiceleste to glory:

The young coach reconnected with the players, who quickly understood his philosophy. With Scaloni, Argentina became a transformed side in terms of high pressure and attack.

It was no coincidence that the Gaffer prefers direct football. He loves it when his teams win back the ball, and he makes everyone see him as a guy who doesn’t mess around.

Scaloni led them to lift the prestigious 2021 Copa América trophy. His team defeated Brazil in the final at the Maracaná Stadium.

Thanks to that, he entered history as the coach who broke Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought.

Another trophy came less than a year later (2022) as Scolani’s Argentine side lifted the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions trophy.

Lionel Scaloni helped his namesake (Lionel Messi) win the 40th title of his career (the 2021 COPA America trophy).

Lionel Scaloni helped his namesake (Lionel Messi) win the 40th title of his career (the 2021 COPA America trophy).

Despite his appointment being questioned, Lionel has proved that he can achieve the most difficult thing – trophies. This is what every Argentine soccer fan dreams of.

At the time of writing Lionel Scaloni’s Biography, his team is set to do the unthinkable at the forthcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The rest, as we say, is now history.

Elisa Montero – Lionel Scaloni Wife:

Behind the success of the Argentine national team coach comes a glamorous woman. Put simply, Elisa Montero is the name of Lionel Scaloni’s Wife. She has been with the Pujato native since his playing career.

Lionel Scaloni met his wife (Elisa Montero) in Spain. The earliest sign of their relationship became known during his early playing days with Spain. Now, let’s introduce you to Lionel Scaloni’s Wife – Elisa Montero.

Meet Elisa Montero, the woman who holds the key to Lionel's heart.

Meet Elisa Montero, the woman who holds the key to Lionel’s heart.

Getting to know Elisa Montero:

Lionel Scaloni’s wife has been with him for more than 15 years since writing this Bio. Elisa Montero was the one who advised her husband to take up a coaching course.

That advice came after she saw him suffer from depression at the closing stage of his playing career.

Thanks to Elisa’s support, her husband gained momentum. Lionel Scaloni grabbed his bicycle and went to CF Son Caliu to make his coaching registration.

With this academy, Lionel began taking lessons with their Cadets A team (14-year-old boys).

So little is known about Elisa Montero, the wife of Lionel Scaloni. However, we sure know the proud Mum of two holds Spanish nationality.

Elisa Montero is not the type who fancies a luxurious lifestyle, including publicizing her social media activities. On very few occasions (mostly related to tennis), Lionel Scaloni and his wife are often seen together.

Elisa Montero and her husband were spotted at the Mallorca 2022 tennis tournament.

Elisa Montero and her husband were spotted at the Mallorca 2022 tennis tournament.

Lionel Scaloni’s children with Elisa Montero:

At the time of creating this Bio, the celebrity couple are proud parents of two children. In 2012, Elisa Montero became a mum for the first time.

That was when their son, Ian Scaloni, was born. Four years later, in the year 2016, Lionel and Elisa’s second son, Noah Scaloni, arrived.

A happy Lionel Scalloni and his son enjoying a great moment together.

A happy Lionel Scalloni and his son enjoying a great moment together.

Ian and Noah are the names of Elisa Montero and Lionel Scaloni’s children. The soccer coach is known to enjoy a great relationship with his sons.

Lionel Scaloni is a great Dad, and we know that one of his two sons was born at the time he played with Lazio.

Scaloni’s children and wife are the most valuable thing for him. The truth is that Scaloni greatly values ​​the bond he forged with his two sons, Ian and Noah.

Despite being a workaholic, Lionel Scaloni finds time to bond with his children.

Despite being a workaholic, Lionel Scaloni finds time to bond with his children.

Personal Life:

First, Lionel Scaloni is described by those who know him as “very perfectionist.” He is a man who possesses a distant attitude at first sight.

He gets very obsessive with his work and has a group of followers named “La Scaloneta”. These set of Argentine people flood the social media networks every time Argentina plays a tournament.

Even at this adult age, Lionel Scaloni remains a fan of riding a bicycle. Research has it that he (in April 2019) once suffered a traffic accident with his bicycle around the parking area of his house.

Lionel Scaloni was hit by a car at the time he was riding a bicycle in Mallorca. The manager was treated at a hospital, and he was quickly released.

The former West Ham star after being discharged from the hospital following a traffic accident.

The former West Ham star after being discharged from the hospital following a traffic accident.

Lionel Scaloni Lifestyle:

Simple, reserved and humble are the best ways to describe how the FIFA World Cup coach lives his life. Lionel Scaloni has forged a united family, which he always misses when he is on the road.

He is the type of manager who does not usually expose himself or members of his family publicly despite how long his job takes him away from them.

Lionel Scaloni’s House:

Outside Argentina, the national team coach has a home in Calviá, the municipality of Mallorca, Spain.

Lionel Scalloni’s wife, Elisa, and their two children live there. In that town (where he has his home), his children (Ian and Noah) attend De Agora Portals International School.

The Gaffa take a photo with his son at the seaside.

The Gaffa take a photo with his son at the seaside.

The location of Lionel Scaloni’s house in Spain is very conducive to his kid’s upbringing. For thirty years, the Argentine coach has lived in Europe.

In addition to the weeks Lionel spent away from family (because of coaching duties), something once badly affected him the most.

The Argentine coach could not be with his wife and children when they suffered the loss of Lola, their household pet.

Lionel Scaloni Family Life:

In getting to know him, you’ll first realise that he is a man who never forgets where he comes from. This section of Lionel Scaloni’s Bio tells you more about his parents and other family members.

Lionel Scaloni’s Father:

Ángel, the man who was capable of doing anything for his children, hasn’t gotten the best of health in recent times.

Lionel Scaloni’s Father suffered from a stroke a couple of years ago. One day after Argentina won a match, Lionel Scaloni returned and made a video call with his Dad. During that call, he noticed his Dad looked weird and talked weirdly.

Immediately, someone around Ángel said he had just suffered from a stroke. Then, Lionel Scaloni travelled to see him, and he took advantage of his stay in his village to be with his loved ones. The soccer coach even took a tour of the rehabilitation clinic where his father was hospitalized.

Lionel Scaloni’s Mother:

The coach often calls her his “Old lady”, and Lionel dedicated his 2021 COPA America victory to his Mum.

On the 14th of October 2021, after Argentina’s victory against Peru, the coach said in a press conference that he wasn’t in a good family situation to think about the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At this point, the Press found out that Lionel Scaloni’s Mum was also not well.

Before the Copa América final that saw Argentina National Team win in Brazil, Lionel Scaloni’s Mum was hospitalized after she had a stroke.

Unfortunately, his father, Ángel, suffered a resurgence of a similar condition, which saw him getting admitted to the same clinic as his wife.

At the time both were in the hospital, Lionel Scaloni went emotional when he spoke at a press conference. In his words,

“I am what I am today, all thanks to my parents, and I don’t want to talk because…”

That was all he said before emotions prevented him from continuing his words. Lionel, at that time, was really going through some difficult family moments.

We hope his parents have sound health to come to watch their son at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Lionel Scaloni’s Brother:

Mauro Scaloni is a retired footballer who was once under his little brother’s shadow. Lionel Scaloni’s brother built a career without playing a minute in the Spanish First Division.

In 1995, when Lionel debuted in the First Division, his older brother still played for Dépor’s Reserve.

The truth is, Mauro Scaloni never made it past the Deportivo de La Coruña’s reserve team. After the 2006 World Cup, he could no longer follow in his little brother’s footsteps. To this day, Mauro Scaloni remains Lionel’s best friend and his number one fan.

Back then, in the fields of Pujato, he and Mauro once helped their parents grow corn, wheat and soybeans. When Lionel Scaloni visited his parents at the hospital (where they were admitted), he alternated with his brother (Mauro) to ensure his Dad and Mum continued to feel their children’s presence.

Lionel Scaloni’s Sister:

The identity of the last-born child of Ángel Scaloni and his wife was made known by Lionel during the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship. Here is a rare 1997 photo of Scaloni and his little sister (the same Mum and Dad).

Young Scaloni and his little sister during the Malaysia 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Young Scaloni and his little sister during the Malaysia 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Lionel Scaloni’s Relatives:

The Argentine coach’s extended family members and his close friends once posed beside the mural with the image of him at Pujato, their hometown.

The truth is, the love of Lionel Scaloni (from his relatives) was earned through his patience, hard work and clear ideas for success.

Some persons in this photo are Lionel Scaloni's extended family members.

Some persons in this photo are Lionel Scaloni’s extended family members.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Lionel Scaloni’s Biography, we unveil more information you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Why he hates flying:

Lionel Scaloni returned with trauma following the 1997 Under-20 World Cup, where he helped his country win in Malaysia.

Did you know?… the fear of flying struck him after the plane he entered had a forced landing. Because of that, Lionel Scaloni’s Dad drove his son in his Alfa Romeo car for most of his away games.

Because he feared entering planes, Ángel Scaloni took the responsibility of driving his son (within Spain). For away games against Real Madrid, Lionel Scaloni’s father would drive approximately 600 kilometres from Madrid to A Coruña City.

Broke a record with the Argentine national team:

On the 1st day of June 2022, Lionel achieved a record no other manager of his country’s national team has achieved. As a national team coach, he surpassed Alfio Basile’s all-time record of playing the most matches without a loss.

Issue with Joaquín Caparrós:

At the age of 28, Lionel Scaloni found himself struggling for game time with Deportivo La Coruña. Because the World Cup was fast approaching in 2006, he forced his way to West Ham United on loan. That transfer move did not please Joaquín Caparrós, the then Deportivo La Coruña manager.

Lionel Scaloni did not return until after the 2006 World Cup, a tournament that helped his CV. Upon seeing him return late to training, Joaquín Caparrós, his manager, suspended the practice. Reacting to the coach’s decision, Lionel joked to the press;

“I don’t know why Joaquín Caparrós cut practice, because it is a beautiful day,”

Following that comment, the situation became worse between the two. Then, Lionel got further punished with game time. That forced him to leave Deportivo de La Coruña a year before the end of his contract.

Lionel Scaloni’s Religion:

The Argentine professional football manager was born and raised as a Christian. Research has it that Lionel Scaloni and most persons from Pujato are practising Catholics. He joins the likes of 63% per cent of his country’s people who adopt the Catholic faith of Christianity.

Lionel Scaloni’s Salary Facts:

The names of other country’s national team coaches who are ahead of him in terms of salary are as follows: Hans-Dieter Flick (Germany) – €6,500,000, Gareth Southgate (England) – €5,800,000, Didier Deschamps (France) – €3,800,000. Others include Tite (Brazil) – €3,600,000, Louis van Gaal (Netherlands) – €2,900,000 and Gerardo Martino (Mexico) – €2,900,000.

Where Lionel Scaloni’s family lives, the average person in Spain makes around 32,520 EUR per year. Do you know?… Such a person would need 79.9 years to make the coach’s annual salary with the Argentine FA.

EndNote:

Lionel Scaloni, nicknamed “Galgo”, was born to his parents – Mr and Mrs Ángel Scaloni. He grew up alongside his siblings – which includes an older brother (Mauro Scaloni) and a little sister. The Argentine coach has his family origins in Pujato. He is the son of a former soccer player and a disciplinarian. From an ethnic standpoint, the coach is identified with the Pueblos Indígenas.

Ángel Scaloni (his Dad) raised a middle-class family with proceeds from his farm. Back in the day, the Scaloni family grew varieties of crops like corn, wheat and soya beans. With the help of his father’s truck, their farm produce is taken to the market for sale. This was the same truck that took little Lionel and his brother to football training.

A soccer field in Pujato was where football began for Lionel and his brother (Mauro). Lionel Scaloni’s education was at Bernardino Rivadavia Elementary School 227 in Pujato. Alongside Mauro, his brother Lionel, had his first footballing steps with the local team, Club Sportivo Matienzo. Thanks to extra soccer training from his Dad, he progressed further.

In 1993, he moved to Newell’s Old Boys academy before another transfer to Estudiantes de La Plata. After lifting the U20 World Cup in Malaysia, Scaloni went to Europe. The Argentine retired from playing football in 2015. Lionel began his coaching career by working as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli.

After his country’s disappointing 2018 FIFA World Cup, he found his way to become the coach of Argentina. Scaloni, in 2021 and 2022, led his country to win the Copa America and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions. The Argentine is married to his wife (Elisa Montero) and has two sons, Ian and Noah Scaloni.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Lionel Scaloni’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our continuous quest to deliver to you the life history of football managers. Kindly reach us (via comment) if you find anything that doesn’t look right in the Argentine’s memoir.

Aside from Lionel Scaloni’s Bio, we’ve got other interesting stories in our Football Extra category. The childhood story of Gianni Infantino, Michel Platini and Aleksander Ceferin will interest you. Finally, kindly tell us your thoughts on the former West Ham star and his amazing story in the comment section.

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