World Cup 2022: when Messi brings Aymar, his idol turned Argentine assistant coach, to tears

It is a symbol of all the pressure Albiceleste has to bear in this 2022 World Cup. Argentina, the reigning Copa América champions named among the favourites, however, completely missed out on the race, losing to a very surprising team from Saudi Arabia led by Herve Renard. On this Saturday evening, points had to be scored at all costs to survive in this Group C. Done, but it was difficult to the hour mark and the almost divine intervention of their savior: one Lionel Messi. A kick from 20 meters, a small net in the 64th minute and the entire bench of Argentines stood up … Until the assistant head coach Lionel Scaloni broke down.

And not just anyone: Pablo Aimar, who has worn the Albicelesta jersey 52 times already. But the pressure was too much for the former Valencia midfielder. Deputy Scaloni, his hands on his face, his breath is almost choking, and tears welling up in his eyes … A very strong image of this Argentina-Mexico. Especially if you know that Pablo Aimar was the hero of the seven-time Ballon d’Or as a child.

Scaloni in the same condition

Lionel Scaloni was waiting for the end of the match and the second goal of Enzo Fernandez in the 87th minute to give vent to emotions, also with tears in his eyes. “I got a call from my brother who was crying. We don’t just play football. Whenever you have to play such a match with the national team, it will always be like this. But it’s hard to make people understand that the sun will rise tomorrow, whether you win or not,” the Albiceleste coach explained at a press conference. We will need to bounce back quickly from all these emotions as Argentina have to work towards their qualification in this Wednesday’s last match (20:00) against Poland.