After the FIFA World Cup final, Lionel Scaloni left without the trophy he sought, as Spain triumphed 1-0 in extra time, ending Argentina’s championship reign.
However, this outcome does not overshadow the remarkable foundation Scaloni has established over the years. For Indian footballer Jeakson Singh, Scaloni’s influence transcends a single match. Before becoming a celebrated coach, Scaloni was making waves at the youth level.
In 2018, he and Pablo Aimar led Argentina’s Under-20 team at the COTIF Tournament in Spain, where India achieved a historic victory by defeating Argentina 2-1. Although Jeakson was not part of that memorable match, the connection he feels with Scaloni has remained strong. ‘Given their achievements as players, we always believed they would rise to greater coaching opportunities,’ Jeakson shared in an exclusive interview.
He recalled how impressed he was during an earlier group-stage match, where Scaloni expressed curiosity about why Jeakson was not selected to play against Argentina. ‘They didn’t speak to me directly, but our coach asked them to share some motivational words with us before they left. We were all staying in the same hotel and even used the same gym,’ he reminisced.
When the request was made, Scaloni and his team agreed, and a translator facilitated the communication. ‘He congratulated us on our performance. Interestingly, they went on to win the tournament, but we managed to beat them in that one match,’ Jeakson noted.
Scaloni’s words resonate even more today, as he has transformed Argentina into a football powerhouse, achieving a Copa América title and a World Cup victory. ‘He praised our performance, but due to the language barrier, the conversation was brief,’ Jeakson explained. ‘Later, an article highlighted Amarjit Singh and me, and Scaloni was curious about my absence in that match.’
Jeakson expressed gratitude for Scaloni’s recognition, stating, ‘Whenever I think back to a coach of his caliber praising me, it boosts my confidence. Remembering that moment and knowing he saw my potential, especially now that he is so successful, really uplifts me.’
He believes Argentina’s mentality is their greatest asset. ‘It’s challenging to compare youth and senior levels directly, but the quality of their senior players and their fighting spirit are remarkable. Their determination is evident, and that spirit has propelled them forward. While they have Messi’s exceptional talent, it’s the teamwork and relentless drive that make the difference. Other teams have quality too, but Argentina’s hunger sets them apart. You can feel their desire to win every time they play,’ he concluded.
Despite the heartbreak of their title defense ending against Spain, Scaloni’s legacy remains intact. His influence on young players like Jeakson Singh is undeniable. For Jeakson, Scaloni is not just a defeated coach but a humble leader who took the time to acknowledge players, even those who were not on the field.