Lionel Scaloni led Argentina and Lionel Messi to their first World Cup victory since Maradona lifted the trophy in 1986, 36 years later.

With a Copa America trophy and a World Cup victory under Scaloni’s management, Argentina went on a 36-game unbeaten streak, and he became a firm favorite. Scaloni was congratulated by the entire world for his accomplishments.

Prior to the manager’s appointment, he was heavily criticized on the assumption that he lacked the required skills to manage a star-studded team like Argentina containing Lionel Messi.

Let us appreciate Lionel Scaloni, who was often criticized by fans and pundits for his bold team selection when he became the interim manager of Argentina.

"He may lack experience as a head coach, but he has 30 years’ experience of the dressing room," Rodrigo De Paul said

— DesmundOris (@Desmund_Oris) January 6, 2023

Maradona was the most outspoken, claiming that Scaloni is ineligible to coach the national team. He voiced his feelings and accused the Argentine football association of appointing him.

“They choose Scaloni as if it is motorbike world cup rather than FIFA World Cup. He is not even close to manage the team. Scaloni is a great guy, but he couldn’t even direct traffic. How to give him a national team? Have we all gone mad”

Scaloni.
Abro hilo 🧵
➟ DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA: "Me dolió mucho lo que pasó en el Mundial porque no hay respeto. Ahora ponen a Scaloni. Scaloni es un gran muchacho, pero no puede dirigir ni el tráfico".

Scaloni:

— Geraldine Pomato Kalezić (@geripomato) December 30, 2022

Argentina and Scaloni ‘Silverwing’ may not have claimed with representing in a motorbike world cup, but after defeating France in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022, they definitely have. Maradona would have danced along with all Argentinians upon seeing this.

Asked what he would say to Maradona if he had been present, Scaloni told reporters: “Well, you make me realize that he’s not here, otherwise you’d think he was amongst us. Well fortunately we managed to lift this trophy, something we’ve been dreaming of for so long, we’re such a football passionate country.”

“I hope he enjoyed it from above. I’m sure if he was here, he’d have enjoyed it so much, he’d have been the first one on the pitch. Now you ask me this you make me realize he’s not here. I wish he was here to enjoy this moment.”- he added.

Lionel Scaloni calls on Argentina players to honour Maradona’s memory

— Indy Sport (@IndySport) November 25, 2022

Diego Maradona is a beloved figure in the world of football, and if he were present, he would certainly applaud Scaloni and forget the past. May the legendary figure rest in peace!