What is La Scaloneta? Argentina’s famous football song explained

After Argentina’s dramatic victory against Egypt in the round of 16, the many thousands of supporters in the stadium erupted in chants of The fourth star, the anthem that has become synonymous with the country’s modern football legacy

After gaining widespread popularity during the country’s run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, it has been adopted as the unofficial anthem for The Albiceleste and its ardent fans, to celebrate Argentina’s glorious career on the world stage by celebrating the most influential figures responsible for this continued success.

What do the texts mean?

The lyrics combine Argentina’s past glory days with its current run, celebrating the third World Cup won under Scaloni and Lionel Messi, while expressing the dream of becoming back-to-back world champions, a feat only Brazil and Italy can achieve.

The song also references the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where Diego Maradona, the country’s beloved soccer star, was sent home after a failed doping test conducted under controversial circumstances.

The supporters consider the 2026 tournament, also in North America, as the perfect stage for this The Scaloneta to “get revenge” for their late legendary number 10, who was forced into an abrupt retirement in what should have been a fitting farewell.

The anthem looks at current number 10, Lionel Messi, who 32 years later will complete Maradona’s unfinished chapter by leading Argentina to an unprecedented fourth World Cup crown in the US, which is also expected to be the final international tournament of his illustrious career.

Published on July 8, 2026