"I think very similarly to him in many ways" - Argentina manager names Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as his coaching role model

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has said that he's similar to his Real Madrid counterpart Carlo Ancelotti, whom he looks up to as a role model. The Italian is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the game.

Among his several laurels, Ancelotti is the only tactician to win the top-flight title at all five top-five European leagues. He's also the only one to win the UEFA Champions League multiple times with more than one club and to win the competition five times.

Meanwhile, Scaloni rose from coaching obscurity to a household name in Argentina, guiding the Albiceleste to successive triumphs at the Copa America interspersed by a FIFA World Cup win and the Finalissima.

Ahead of his team's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Colombia on Tuesday, Scaloni said about the Real Madrid boss (as per Albiceleste Talk):

"For me, a role model today is Ancelotti. I think very similarly to him in many ways, and I believe he’s a guy who’s already made history."

Argentina are atop the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying standings, beating Chile 3-0 at home earlier this week to move four points clear of second-placed Uruguay after seven games.

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Lionel Scaloni, who idolises Real Madrid boss Ancelotti, updates about Argentina captain Lionel Messi's return

Argentina captain Lionel Messi (left)

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is optimistic that his captain Lionel Messi will return to action soon. The 37-year-old hasn't played since La Albiceleste's 1-0 extra-time win over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final in July.

Since then, Messi has missed eight games across competitions for his club side Inter Miami and has also been left out by Scaloni from his squad for the two FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.

Ahead of the Colombia game, Scaloni said that he intends to talk with Messi shortly to learn about his physical condition before announcing his squad for the next set of qualifiers. He said as per Albiceleste Talk:

"Regarding Messi, we hope he plays soon. When it's time to announce the next squad, we'll talk to him. We will wait until that day, in about two weeks. Then we’ll see if he's in condition to join."

After their upcoming game, the defending world champions next take on Venezuela (October 10) and Bolivia at home five days later. Messi - who has scored 26 times against Real Madrid - could feature in one of those games, if not both.