Lionel Scaloni is celebrating a major personal milestone on Friday as he leads Argentina into the Round of 32 against surprise package Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium.

The game marks his 100th match in charge of the Albiceleste, cementing his place among the most successful coaches in Argentine football history.

Since taking over in August 2018 amid uncertainty, Scaloni has transformed the national team. Entering this match, his record stands at 99 games: 72 wins, 18 draws, and 9 losses, with 206 goals scored and 50 conceded, with a win rate of 72.73%. He boasts an impressive +156 goal difference and oversaw a remarkable 36-game unbeaten run between 2019 and 2022.

Scaloni’s trophy cabinet sparkles with four major titles: the 2021 Copa América (ending a 28-year drought), the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the 2024 Copa América. These triumphs have restored national pride and elevated him to legendary status alongside greats like Menotti and Bilardo.

Despite Argentina’s strong group-stage form, Scaloni has urged respect for Cape Verde, who advanced unbeaten. “It’s a team that hasn’t lost… They are not here by chance,” he said, highlighting their compact defense and counter-attacking threat.

In the match, Scaloni has made nine changes in the team from the 3-1 win over Jordan, as Lionel Messi is back in the lineup.

As defending champions chase a record fifth consecutive major title, Scaloni’s calm leadership and tactical acumen continue to shine. As he charges Los Albicelestes in a milestone encounter, the head coach will be hoping for a victory and a passage to the Round of 16 stages as they continue their quest for defending the World Cup title.

Lionel Scaloni Argentina Coach Stats and Achievements

Matches: 99
Wins: 72
Draws: 18
Losses: 9
Goals For: 206
Goals Against: 50
Goal Difference: +156
Win percentage: 72.73%

Key Achievements with Argentina Senior Team

FIFA World Cup: Winner (2022)
Copa América: Winner (2021, 2024)
CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima): Winner (2022)

Lionel Scaloni joins Milestone as 2nd Argentina Coach

Lionel Scaloni, with his 100th match as Argentina coach, has become only the 2nd person to be in charge of three-figure matches for the nation. The only other is Guillermo Stabile, who was in charge of 115 matches and won 6 Copa America titles.