After a stunning late turnaround against the Three Lions, the world champions' boss hails his squad's unbreakable spirit as they march toward a monumental showdown with Spain.
Lionel Scaloni paid an emotional tribute to his players after Argentina fought back from a goal down to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup final, describing the squad's resilience, unity and selflessness as impossible to put into words.
Trailing for much of the second half, the reigning world champions produced another remarkable comeback to overturn England's lead and keep alive their hopes of defending the World Cup.
Scaloni admitted the achievement left him overwhelmed.
Image Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters"We have to thank the players," the Argentina coach said in his post-match press conference. "It's difficult to explain with words what this group has done."
"We're going to try to win the final, but what these guys have already achieved is incredible. Without them, it would be impossible."
The 47-year-old reserved special praise for those who have spent much of the tournament outside the starting XI, insisting Argentina's strength lies in the unity of the entire squad.
"A special mention goes to those who don't play and support from the outside. They train while the others rest, and the players who came off the bench today were fundamental."
"In football, like in life, you have to give everything until the end. These players have shown exactly what they carry inside."
Image Credit: ReutersScaloni felt Argentina deserved their victory because of their refusal to stop believing despite trailing for long periods.
"We hit the post and created seven clear chances," he said. "If the ball hadn't gone in, we would have gone home losing 1-0, but I would still have been proud because the team fought until the end."
"For me, that's fundamental."
He added that the closing stages perfectly captured his philosophy of the game.
"Football isn't just tactics, strategy or playing beautifully. Football is everything that those final 40 minutes represented."
"When we made it 2-1, we also knew how to defend our advantage. That is everything football teaches you when you're a child."
Scaloni even suggested the victory surpassed Argentina's previous best performance of the tournament.
"We thought the match against Egypt was our peak, but this one surpassed it. Beyond the quality of the opponent, it was a World Cup semi-final and the way we played made it extraordinary."
Image Credit: ReutersWhile Argentina now stand one match away from another World Cup title, Scaloni insisted his definition of success goes beyond lifting trophies.
"We are not successful just because we win or lose," he explained. "The most important thing is how we face difficult situations."
"I don't worry about what people think of me. Hopefully they think something good, but honestly it doesn't move me."
"My concern is that the boys go onto the pitch in the best condition possible and understand that there is always another day."
Reflecting on a tournament that began amid injuries and uncertainty, Scaloni revealed the squad's togetherness became its greatest strength.
"We had many difficulties before the World Cup, but once we finalised the squad, everyone committed completely. That was the turning point."
"They're fearless. They play football the same way they did when they were seven or eight years old. They're not thinking about failing or missing out on a final. They're simply playing."
Image Credit: ReutersAttention now turns to Sunday's final against Spain, a team Scaloni described as worthy opponents after their convincing victory over France.
"They're a great team and, in my opinion, fair winners in the other semi-final," he said. "We've already analysed them because we thought they could be a possible opponent."
"We know how they play and we're prepared for what comes next."
"I have a special relationship with Luis. I admire his approach and I'm happy for everything he has achieved."
"I live in Spain and I have a Spanish family, but on Sunday we'll try to beat them."
Ending on a lighter note, Scaloni also paid tribute to Lionel Messi's enduring legacy in Spanish football.
"I hope Spain is happy that Argentina is in the final because Leo Messi gave so much joy to that country."
"For me, there is no doubt. What more does he have to do to be the greatest footballer in history?"
