Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni not only steered his nation to World Cup glory, but also has been so humble and respectful. His most recent FIFA World Cup moment warmed the hearts of football fans across the globe as he reflected on a special exchange with legendary Argentine sports broadcaster Enrique Macaya Márquez.
Scaloni, who led Argentina to their impressive 2022 FIFA World Cup victory continues to be regarded positively for the man he is both on and off the pitch.
A Special Answer for a Legendary Journalist
Scaloni was asked at a pre-match press conference whether Messi had a chance to play in Argentina’s final group-stage game against Jordan.
The Argentine coach typically does not let the media know who his starting XI will be before matches. But this time, one of Argentina’s most respected sports journalists—91-year-old Enrique Macaya Márquez—followed up accordingly, and Rodríguez made an exception.
Scaloni responded with a smile:
“Anyone else, I might have ducked this question, but because it is you — I would answer.
Messi did however enter the match as a second-half sub and scored a magnificent free-kick in Argentina’s 3-1 win.
A Hug That Captured the Spirit of Football
Moments after the press conference Scaloni approached Márquez and gave him a big hug, something that quickly became one of the best off-the-field moments in the tournament.
The emotional exchange underscored the mutual respect between two greats who have both dominated pages of footballing history in Argentina.
Enrique Macaya Márquez: A Living Football Legend
Márquez, who at 91 has his coverage of this being his 18th FIFA World Cup and started as a teenage radio correspondent in 1958.
He has seen it all during his brilliant career, so far he has witnessed each and every Argentine World Cup win (including:
Argentina 1978
Mexico 1986
Qatar 2022
Thinking back to Argentina’s success, Márquez confessed that more than three decades in journalism had not prepared him for the waves of emotion that come with a World Cup victory.
Supporting the national team while remaining a professional has always been one of the most enjoyable parts of his career, he stated.
A Respected Voice Beyond the GOAT Debate
Márquez, who has witnessed football’s greatest legends spanning generations, refuses to pick sides between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona in the ongoing GOAT debate.
As per him, No era is comparable as to every age has had phenomenal footballers.
In his book “Mis Mundiales” (My World Cups), he also declared that the best of all time was the Netherlands team inspired by Johan Cruyff in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, when they never lifted the trophy.
Scaloni’s Humility Continues to Inspire
Scaloni often speaks about the love he gets from fans since he ended Argentina’s 36 year wait to win a World Cup in Qatar. What is more, he has shared instances where the owners of restaurants have insisted to not let him pay for meals because of their thanks.
Scaloni stepped back on that very soccer field to make a kind gesture for Enrique Macaya Márquez, reminding everyone once again why he is so beloved as a coach and also a humble steward of the men who told Argentina’s footballing story for more than 50 years.