Lionel Scaloni: World Cup winning coach hints at possible exit from managing Argentina, following skirmish between Argentina and Brazil fans last night before their qualifier at Maracanã

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni might have dropped a bombshell announcement with his words after his side defeated a feisty Brazilian side at the Maracanã, hinting at his quitting of the job. Before the game, Argentina and Brazil fans were involved in a skirmish which was escalated more by the Brazilian authorities, who charged with their batons at the travelling Argentines.

Lionel Scaloni- the boss

Lionel Scaloni has been one of the best managers of any National side since last year’s World Cup triumph. He has led the side to three consecutive international trophies, which include a heroic Copa America, Finalissima and the most coveted World Cup. Owing to the likes of an exuberant squad which involves a blend of youth and experience, comprising some legendary names in the form of Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi, and some rising superstars like Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister to name some few, Albiceleste has been one of the greatest teams. They had been on an unbeaten run since two years, before Uruguay ended that streak in their last game. In the 2026 edition of FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Argentina reign supreme on top, with 15 points from 6 games, winning five and losing a solitary game.

Last night, a thrilling encounter between two of football’s biggest rivals-Argentina and Brazil was overshadowed by some unprecedented events which took place ahead of the game, at the iconic Maracanã stadium. Both sides were coming on the back of defeats in the hands of respective opponents, they desperately needed a victory to ensure proper qualification scenario. But, ahead of the start, a skirmish broke out between travelling Argentine fans and Brazilian locals, which was controlled by Brazilian authorities, who were evidently seen charging with batons at the Argentines, in response of which, Albiceleste supporters hurled chairs at the police. Lionel Messi and Co. was seen observing the situation, with Emi Martinez hurling himself against a Brazilian police to cut short this aggression, as a result of which, Messi and his brigade was seen leaving the field, promising to come back when the trifle was silenced. The match was delayed by more than 20 minutes.

Although Argentina defeated Brazil courtesy a solitary goal by Argentina’s old guard Otamendi, who headed the ball past Alisson to score the winner, the victory was marred by the initial situation. With this defeat, Brazil lost their first World Cup qualifier at home, and were left reeling on the sixth position with a meagre 7 points from 6 games.

“Angry” Scaloni hints on his future

After the final whistle, it was visible that Argentina tactician Scaloni was “angry” owing to this situation, which had seemed to take away the happiness from the players. He hinted that he could be compelled to quit the country which he led to a glorious World Cup triumph a year ago in Qatar.

He was heard saying, “I need this time to think. This national team needs a coach that has every possible energy and feels well. It was not a goodbye, it is not something else. But I need to think because the bar is set really high and it is tough to go ahead. It is tough to continue winning.”

‘Scaloneta’- being given the name owing to his mystical plethora of mentoring every player in accordance to their talent, Scaloni has been successful in regrouping the Argentine squad after ages, leading them to three consecutive titles. He had played with Lionel Messi in his early days, and the camaraderie between these two was worth watching.

Argentina captain and legend Lionel Messi too shared his opinion after the game, as he took to social media to speak about the events. He was heard saying, “Obviously, at the beginning it was bad because we saw how they were beating people. You think about the family, the people who are there, who don’t know what’s going on and we are more concerned about that than playing a match.”

“At that point the match was secondary… After that, winning this game like this I think is one of the most important wins that this group has achieved. It is something very nice to be able to win here in Brazil, after how strong they have been at home throughout their history,” said Messi about his side’s performance in the game, eclipsing Selecao’s record of not losing a single game of FIFA Qualifiers in history at their own den.