Lionel Scaloni abandons interview in tears after Argentina's World Cup comeback win
· Yahoo Sports
Argentina men's national team head coach Lionel Scaloni abandoned a postgame interview following his side's dramatic comeback win against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Scaloni was overwhelmed with emotion after Argentina's remarkable victory that propelled them into the World Cup quarterfinals. After trailing 2-0, the defending champions netted three goals in just over 10 minutes to seal the comeback, which was naturally spearheaded by the legendary Lionel Messi.
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The 48-year-old coach was so emotional that he couldn't finish his traditional post-match interview. When a reporter asked him how he was feeling, Scaloni responded, speaking in Spanish, "I can't look at you, I'm sorry, I'm too emotional, what a group of players, my brother, that's all... I have to go, I can't," as per The Mirror US.
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Scaloni wasn't alone in shedding tears after the memorable victory. Messi also became emotional at the final whistle, understanding his aspiration of capturing a second World Cup remained within reach after it appeared so hopeless just 20 minutes prior.
Despite failing to convert a penalty kick in the opening half, the 39-year-old delivered when it counted most, contributing a goal and an assist in Argentina's incredible comeback.
Typically, when a coach or player storms out of an interview, it stems from frustration with the reporter or their line of questioning, but this occasion appeared to be anything but, as Scaloni simply couldn't compose himself to field a few questions.
The post-match scenes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, bore a striking resemblance to those following the 2022 World Cup final, which Argentina claimed against France on penalty kicks. Messi was repeatedly tossed into the air by his teammates as players and coaches wept and saluted the fans.
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Scaloni lavished praise on his captain after the contest, particularly highlighting his composure after the difficult moment of missing his second penalty of the tournament early on.
"Messi missed a penalty but he asks for the ball again and he drives, again and again," Scaloni said. "I get goosebumps, to be honest. This is who we are, as Argentinians. We play our hearts out."
The World Cup knockout rounds have been absolute mayhem for Argentina, who required extra time to edge past Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32 before Tuesday's dramatic win.
Egypt appeared destined for the quarterfinal after Mostafa Ziko made it 2-0 in the 67th minute, but the defending World Cup champions refused to capitulate.
-Credit:Patrick Smith - FIFA, FIFA via Getty ImagesFirst, Messi whipped in a cross that Cristian Romero headed home, halving the deficit with just 11 minutes remaining in regulation.
Just four minutes later, Messi unleashed a stunning half-volley beyond Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir to level the score and register his World Cup-leading eighth goal of the tournament.
Then, deep into second-half stoppage time, midfielder Enzo Fernández guided his header from a Lautaro Martínez cross into the far corner of the net, putting Argentina in front and sending both players and supporters into sheer ecstasy.