Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni in tears and cuts World Cup interview short – 'I can't'
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was overcome with emotion and walked out of his post-match interview in tears after their World Cup win over Egypt
Argentina national team boss Lionel Scaloni abandoned a post-match interview after his side's breathtaking comeback triumph over Egypt at the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni was visibly overwhelmed following Argentina's remarkable victory that secured their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
After trailing 2-0, the reigning champions netted three goals in little more than 10 minutes to seal the turnaround, spearheaded by the legendary Lionel Messi. And their performance had a huge impact on Scaloni's emotional state.
The 48-year-old gaffer was so overwhelmed that he couldn't finish his routine post-match media duties. When a journalist asked 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." The moment came as Egypt's furious boss cried "injustice" following the dramatic events that unfolded in Atlanta.
Scaloni wasn't alone in shedding tears after the historic result. Messi also wept at the final whistle, knowing his hopes of securing a second World Cup remained intact after appearing doomed just 20 minutes prior.
Despite squandering a spot-kick in the opening period, the 39-year-old produced his trademark brilliance when it counted most, contributing a goal and an assist in Argentina's stunning fightback.
Typically when a manager or player storms out of an interview, it stems from anger towards the journalist or their line of questioning, but this occasion appeared to be entirely different, as Scaloni simply couldn't compose himself sufficiently to respond to queries.
The scenes following the final whistle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia bore striking resemblance to those witnessed after the 2022 World Cup final, which Argentina claimed against France via a penalty shootout.
Messi was repeatedly hoisted into the air by his team-mates as players and coaching staff wept and acknowledged the supporters.
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Scaloni lavished praise on his skipper following the match, particularly his mental strength after enduring a difficult moment when he failed to convert his second penalty of the tournament early in proceedings.
"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 phase has been complete mayhem thus far for Argentina, who required additional time to overcome Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32 before Tuesday evening's bedlam.
Egypt appeared destined for the quarter-final after Mostafa Ziko made it 2-0 in the 67th minute, but the reigning World Cup holders refused to surrender.
Initially, Messi delivered a cross that Cristian Romero powered home with his head, halving the arrears with 11 minutes remaining in normal time. Just four minutes later, Messi unleashed a stunning half volley beyond Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir to level the scores and notch his tournament-leading eighth goal of the World Cup.
Then, deep into second-half stoppage time, midfielder Enzo Fernandez guided a header from a Lautaro Martinez cross into the far corner of the net, sending Argentina into the lead and sparking scenes of sheer jubilation amongst the players and supporters alike.
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