It’s been two weeks since the Argentine national team lifted the Copa América trophy in the United States, and tributes to the victorious players have been popping up across various football stadiums in the country. The latest tribute was dedicated to the mastermind behind the team’s success, Lionel Scaloni, who was honored by Newell’s Old Boys during their match against Independiente Rivadavia from Mendoza.
Scaloni watched the game from the stands of the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa. During halftime, he made his way onto the field to receive a warm ovation from the fans attending the match, which was part of the Liga Profesional season. He was presented with a plaque commemorating the occasion and a jersey featuring his name and the number 12, a number he wore during his nine seasons as a player at Deportivo La Coruña in Spain.
The number 12 also holds sentimental value from his coaching tenure. It was meant to express gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Scaloni had said, “The dream of all Argentines came true. I am eternally grateful and moved to see you all so happy. You were the twelfth player.”
At 46 years old, Scaloni has worn jerseys for various clubs, including Estudiantes de La Plata, West Ham United, and Racing de Santander, before finishing his career at Lazio and Atalanta in Italy. However, his roots trace back to Newell’s, where he began his football journey. Acknowledging the support, he raised his right arm, showcasing the gifted jersey, as applause erupted from all around the stadium.
In a subsequent interview with TNT Sports, Scaloni shared his heartfelt reaction to the ongoing tributes. “The expressions we’ve witnessed in recent weeks have been incredible, and I must thank everyone because honestly, we didn’t expect this. It has exceeded our expectations,” he reflected. He then expressed disbelief at the heights achieved during his tenure, which includes two Copa Américas, one World Cup, and one Finalissima: “What more could I possibly dream of? I’ve said it many times; I genuinely appreciate this. I leave you now; let the players take the spotlight.”
Accompanying Scaloni at the match was Lucas Bernardi, a beloved figure at the club. Bernardi had previously attended Maxi Rodríguez’s farewell event in June 2023. Leading up to the World Cup, Scaloni also crossed paths with Gerardo Martino, who was coaching Mexico at the time.
Local media, particularly Rosario3, reported that Newell’s management had also invited Scaloni’s assistant, Walter Samuel, and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez, both of whom came up through Newell’s youth system. Unfortunately, they were unable to attend; Martínez responded that he needed to travel to England.
It’s worth noting that Scaloni once mentioned being a Boca Juniors fan in his youth, but later switched allegiances to Newell’s, stating: “I spent my entire life here, and now I’d say I don’t root for either. You lose that fanaticism entirely.”
The tribute to Lionel Scaloni showcased the deep connection between the coach and the club where he began his journey in football, highlighting a story of gratitude and recognition within the beautiful game.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/deportes/2024/07/23/el-homenaje-de-newells-a-lionel-scaloni-tras-ser-campeon-de-la-copa-america-con-la-seleccion-argentina-mucho-mas-de-lo-que-uno-creia/
