Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni pleaded with fans to let him see a dentist, as he has been confined to his home by fans for a week.
Eight days after the World Cup final, Argentine fans are still gathered on the lawn of Scaloni's home in Pujato, a suburb of Rosario, and are reluctant to leave.
In a widely circulated video, 48-year-old Scaloni is escorted by security personnel to his car, surrounded by a crowd of fans of all ages who reach out their arms to interact with the Argentine coach. As he slips away, Scaloni says, "I have a dentist appointment, I'll be right back."
According to reports, Scaloni goes out every morning and evening to greet fans, sign autographs, and take photos. Faced with such enthusiastic scenes, someone remarked, "What will happen to the house if Argentina wins?"
Fans flooded social media with messages expressing their love for Scaloni. One user wrote, "It feels like they won the World Cup, so much love." Another on Reddit commented, "He's the best coach in Argentine history." Someone else remarked, "He's a really good guy to do all this for the fans. But having so many people around him all the time must be a bit suffocating." A fourth user chimed in, "Dude, you can't even escape this at home, it must be crazy."
In the World Cup final, Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match, helping Spain lift the trophy for the second time. After the game, sporadic clashes occurred on the field, and captain Lionel Messi was seen crying on the sidelines.
On Monday, Scaloni released a statement on social media after the final defeat. The full text is as follows: "After a week of mixed feelings of sadness and joy, tears and smiles, anxiety and calm, tension and composure, I can finally sit down and write a few words. Although you know I don't use social media much, this may be the best way to get to you."
"All I want to say is that I'm sorry I couldn't bring back another trophy and give you a new reason to celebrate—even if it's just for a few days, so you can temporarily forget the hardships of life. But I hope you focus on what we're trying to show through this team—my warriors, that's what I call them to my wife."
"Effort, fighting spirit, desire, never giving up (even when the situation is unfavorable), giving it your all (even when you are exhausted), enduring the cold rain of criticism from outsiders (from those who do not understand us), staying calm, and the willpower to stand up even when your legs no longer obey your brain—that is the real trophy."
"I will always be grateful to my coaching staff, players, staff of the Argentine Football Association—those who work behind the scenes to make us comfortable—and to each and every one of you for the love you have given us. P.S.: Whoever has an Argentine friend has a treasure."
