Scaloni was not at the Ballon d’Or gala and the award for best coach was left to Ancelotti, who did not go to Paris either.

In Paris this Monday all eyes were drawn to the Ballon d’Or gala. And in addition to the trophy itself and the controversy that was generated by the winner, one of the news was the absence of Lionel Messi, winner in 2023 and with eight trophies in his museum. Without him, Dibu Martínez, who was elected best goalkeeper, and Lautaro Martínez -seventh in the general vote- represented Argentina. The leader of the National Team was also nominated: Lionel Scaloni.

The Scaloneta coach was one of the candidates to win the award for best coach of the year called Johan Cruyff, awarded for the first time by France Football magazine.organizer of the event. He was not seen present at the gala and he was not the chosen winner either: it was Carlo Ancelotti’s turn, due to his success in the Champions League and in LaLiga with Real Madrid.

Carleto, who was part of the sit-in that Merengue held at the gala, won among the seven nominees. Also competing were Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Luis De la Fuente (Spain), Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen) and Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta).

In the period taken for the awards, between August 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024, Scaloni directed 16 games for the National Team that coincided with the start of the Qualifiers and the Copa América. Logically, the two-time championship won in the United States put him in that place, in addition to the triumph over Brazil at the Maracaná and in total win 14 of 16with a tie vs. Ecuador whom it surpassed on penalties and a single defeat, vs. Uruguay.

Always difficult to compare the work between clubs and national teamsthe one from Pujato knew how to win The Best award, the one given by FIFA and that was when Argentina got the third star with the World Cup in Qatar and without discussions. For the coach who has already surpassed the number of games played by César Menotti and Carlos Bilardo with the Albiceleste, the most important thing is to focus on November and the continuity of the Qualifiers with the duels against Paraguay (away) and Peru (home).