According to Argentine media outlet Puntal, a Falklands War veteran from San Lorenzo visited Scaloni in Pujato to thank him for everything he did during his time coaching the Argentine national team.
Scaloni continues to receive tributes in Pujato—his birthplace in Santa Fe province and the place he returned to after the 2026 World Cup final. Among the many visitors heading to his parents' home, a group of Falklands War veterans from San Lorenzo, a few kilometers away, contributed to one of the most symbolic gatherings of the week.
Meeting with Falklands War veterans in Pujato
Members of the San Lorenzo Island Veterans Center, carrying an Argentine flag that read "The Falklands unite us," spent a few minutes with the coach. Scaloni greeted them, accepted their gifts, and posed for photos with everyone present. The organization particularly emphasized his humility and warm hospitality during the meeting.
After the visit, the veterans posted photos of the meeting on social media, along with a message to the coach: "We visited our national team's head coach, Scaloni. He is the architect of countless joys over the past month. His work and the history he has made for our country are truly impressive. Thank you, Lionel, for your warm and respectful reception, for accepting our gifts and taking the time for us. Our colors unite us."
A tribute after the 2026 World Cup
This visit was made all the more special by the experience gained during the tournament. Argentina's epic comeback against England in the semi-finals to reach the 2026 World Cup final held special symbolic meaning for many Argentinians. Furthermore, after that match, the team displayed a banner that read "The Falkland Islands belong to Argentina."
This meeting with veterans was one of many tributes Scaloni received in his hometown this week. A group of musicians came to his doorstep to pay tribute to him with a Chamame, and neighbors and onlookers joined in the celebration. A child even gave him a miniature replica of "Scaloni"—the blue and white bus that has become a symbol of his coaching career, with Messi's classic line printed on the back: "What are you looking at, you idiot? Get away!"
Upon returning to Pujato after a 0-1 defeat to Spain in the final, Scaloni told the media, "This team left people with very good memories." When asked about his future as national team coach, the coach succinctly stated, "We will be here until December."
