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Continues to be recognized worldwide. Lionel Scaloni received another well-deserved tribute after winning the World Cup in Qatar 2022. This time, the Argentine coach was honored by Mallorca, the club where he played and the city where he lives. The world champion coach kicked off the match against Valladolid, for Matchday 16 of LaLiga Santander. In addition, he received a special shirt from the team led by Javier Aguirre.
The local club invited Lionel Scaloni to perform the honorary kickoff in the match against Valladolid. The coach entered the field a few seconds before the start and was applauded by all fans. The Argentine greeted the captains Antonio Raíllo (Mallorca) and Jordi Masip (Valladolid), and performed the kickoff.
Then, Scaloni received a Mallorca shirt with the number five. At that moment, Argentine fans started singing "I'm Argentine, it's a feeling," making the moment even more emotional. Finally, before leaving the field, the world champion embraced the visiting coach, José Rojo Martín.
It is worth mentioning that Lionel Scaloni wore number 5 when he played for Mallorca between 2008 and 2009. Beyond the great memories he left at the club, his most important stint in Spain was with Deportivo La Coruña, where he played between 1998 and 2005, and even wore the captain's armband during a good moment for the institution. He then went to West Ham in England.
Will Scaloni renew with Argentina?
During the pre-match of the Mallorca vs. Valladolid match, the Argentine coach talked about his renewal. "I'm in the dream place for any Argentine," said the coach, adding that he is negotiating his continuation at the helm of the Argentine national team.
"We're working on it. I said it some time ago, I'm in the dream place for any Argentine, an incredible place after winning the World Cup. It's evident that it's a place where anyone wants to be and I'm delighted," added the world champion coach.
It is worth mentioning that a few months ago, Chiqui Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), revealed that he had arranged Lionel Scaloni's continuity until the 2026 World Cup. There is still no official statement, but it is expected to continue down that path.
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