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Fans have reacted as Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni's impressive international record has emerged while Lionel Messi is still playing. The 37-year-old helped his team win the 2024 Copa America, his fourth senior title with La Albiceleste.
With 109 goals in 187 games, La Pulga is the second-most prolific scorer in men's international football. Meanwhile, under Scaloni - who assumed the Albiceleste's charge in August 2018 shortly after their Round of 16 defeat to eventual winners France at the 2018 World Cup - has led the team to unprecedented success.
In 77 games, he has delivered 59 wins and four titles, losing just six times - with just two of them coming in the last five years. Their 36-game unbeaten streak - which ended with a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener - is the team's longest in their history.
Fans have poured in their love and appreciation for Messi, with one tweeting:
"He changed everything man. Massive respect."
Another chimed in:
"I'm glad this all happened while Messi was still active as a player. Imagine the agenda if Argentina had achieved this after his retirement."
One fan termed Scaloni:
"The best coach in the world"
There were similar reactions from other fans, with Secret 681 tweeting about Lionel Scaloni:
"He's going to go down as an Argenine legend, right there with Maradona, Messi, and Stefano."
Mj official commented:
"What a Coach. Trophy number 5 coming soon."
Lionel Scaloni's side are riding an 11-game unbeaten run, winning all of them.
How has Lionel Messi fared for Argentina under Lionel Scaloni?
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has undoubtedly played a key role in Lionel Scaloni's success with the team since aassuming charge six years ago. Since then, the Albiceleste have tasted success in four of five tournaments.
In this period, Messi has played 59 times, scoring 44 goals and assisting 16, with his team losing. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner played key roles in their victorious 2021 Copa America campaign - four goals and five assists in seven games.
He also led from the front at the 2022 FIFA World Cup - contributing seven goals - including in all four knockout games - and three assists - as La Albiceleste ended their 36-year wait for the competition.
Messi - plagued by injury - could only contribute a goal and an assist in five games in his team's victorious 2024 Copa America campaign, though, where they beat Colombia 1-0 in extra time in the final.
