Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted it would have been "crazy" for his side to lose in his 100th match in charge after the reigning world champions narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history.
"Out of my 100 matches with Argentina, this is the one that has impacted me the most as a coach."
— Lionel Scaloni pic.twitter.com/ycyyFx7u1f
— Arvin (@sozirv) July 4, 2026
Argentina booked their place in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde after being pushed to the limit in a tense Round of 32 encounter.
🚨 We need to talk about this incredible man. Pedro Leitão Brito, the Cape Verde manager.
Before the match, he went over to Lionel Scaloni to give him a Cape Verde pennant, featuring a map of the archipelago’s 10 islands, and explained where they are located.
The Cape Verde… pic.twitter.com/p1XQp3268g
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) July 4, 2026
Despite entering the match as overwhelming favorites, the Albiceleste struggled to break down a determined Cape Verde side, which forced the contest into extra time before Argentina eventually secured qualification.
Reflecting on the milestone occasion, Scaloni praised his players' fighting spirit while also crediting their opponents for an outstanding performance.
🚨🗣️ Lionel Scaloni:
"Out of my 100 matches with Argentina, this is the one that has impacted me the most as a coach." pic.twitter.com/TmHJt65hhw
— MessiXtra (@MessiXtraHQ) July 4, 2026
"This team never gives up. It would've been crazy to lose in my 100th game, but this is football," Scaloni said. "It was a very tough match. You always have to take the positives. I congratulate our opponents. When people say there are no easy opponents, today they proved they are a great team."
Lionel Scaloni congratulates Cape Verde for having an amazing World Cup campaign ❤️ pic.twitter.com/py0UJSbRLD
— AM☬ (@AbsoluteMxssi) July 4, 2026
The Argentina coach admitted he never felt comfortable throughout the match, despite his team's dominance in possession and attacking play.
"I'm a bit skeptical, and I never see ourselves as qualified. Experience has taught me that. The game was difficult and could have gone the other way, even though we controlled much of it."
Scaloni also dismissed suggestions that Argentina had benefited from an easier path through the knockout stage.
Cabo Verde's Bubista wanted to shake hands but was greeted with a warm hug from Scaloni instead. what a moment! 🇦🇷🇨🇻 pic.twitter.com/xolB6Yohy2
— Father Of Chickens (@caesar_mayor) July 4, 2026
"People said we were on the easier side of the bracket. Now they realize there are no easy games. We knew it would be difficult. We suffered, but we deserved to win. I'll discuss the negatives with the players, but I'll focus on the positives. The team kept attacking, responded well after setbacks, and found a way to win."
Argentina's victory sets up a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash with Egypt, who made history by defeating Australia on penalties to reach the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time. The two sides will meet in Atlanta on Tuesday for a place in the quarter-finals.
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