09/07/2026 10:49 - Deportes
On July 7, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Argentine National Team gifted one of the most vibrant images of the World Cup. After being down 2-0 with goals from Yasser Ibrahim (15') and Mostafa Ziko (67'), and following a missed penalty by Lionel Messi, fate seemed sealed. However, in just 13 minutes, the team led by Lionel Scaloni gave a masterclass in resilience: Cristian 'Cuti' Romero scored a header to close the gap at 79', Messi equalized with an unstoppable left-footed strike at 82', and Enzo Fernández sealed the definitive 3-2 with a header at the 92nd minute.
For international readers, the team is affectionately known as "La Scaloneta", a term derived from the coach's surname, symbolizing a group that works together like a well-oiled machine. The nickname 'Cuti' for Romero is an Argentine colloquialism for a little boy with light hair or a distinctive trait from childhood.
If anything was proven, it is that in La Scaloneta, the bench also plays and wins. The entries of Lautaro Martínez and Nicolás González completely changed the dynamics of the match. The 'Toro' (Bull) was fundamental: he controlled the ball to set up Messi's equalizer and then provided a precise cross to Enzo Fernández for the third goal. Meanwhile, González brought speed and effort, stretching the pitch against Egypt's defensive lock.
If you don't have Lautaro Martínez on the bench, if you don't have the 'Caballo' (Horse) González who runs like an animal and arrives, what kind of coach are you? You can be a magician, but the important thing is to have players.
- Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's Head Coach.
The albiceleste feat transcended borders and captivated the international press. The American newspaper The New York Times, through journalist James Horncastle in its The Athletic section, published a chronicle titled “Argentine madness is spreading in this crazy World Cup.” The author compared the passion to a healthy addiction, citing that Buenos Aires has 222 psychologists per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 30 in the U.S., arguing that following Argentina generates an emotional roller coaster that requires therapy.
The Spanish TV show El Chiringuito de Jugones, hosted by Josep Pedrerol, aired an emotional compilation of footage showing celebrations in the streets of Argentina, on planes, in homes, and in schools, summarizing: “It didn't matter where, how, or why. The albiceleste is a feeling that knows no age and paralyzed an entire country.” Although voices like commentator Edu Aguirre questioned the refereeing of François Letexier (who disallowed a goal for Egypt), FIFA backed the decisions. Now, all eyes are on the quarter-finals: Argentina will face Switzerland on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:00 PM (Argentina time) at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
