Former Argentina international Gabriel Calderón discussed his career spanning Racing Club, Independiente, and the 1990 World Cup, while offering a striking assessment of current Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni, Infobae reported.

From Rawson Beginnings to Avellaneda Rivals

Born in Rawson, Chubut, Calderón started playing at club Germinal before moving to Buenos Aires at age 14. He debuted in Argentina’s top flight with Racing Club at 19 before a brief stint at Lanús and a return to Racing through 1981. Infobae reported that ahead of an October 1981 Torneo Nacional match against Independiente at La Bombonera, coach José Pastoriza told Calderón to leave Racing due to interest from Los Diablos Rojos. Calderón completed the switch within two days and scored twice in Independiente’s victory.

European Success and the 1990 World Cup Final

After his spell in Avellaneda, Calderón moved to Spain in 1983 to join Real Betis, before stints in France with Paris Saint-Germain and Switzerland with Lausanne Sports. Infobae reported that Calderón later featured in Carlos Bilardo’s squad at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, where Argentina reached the final against West Germany. Reflecting on the tournament, Calderón pointed to a denied penalty appeal in the final, suggesting that modern VAR review would have altered the outcome overseen by referee Edgardo Codesal.

Evaluating Scaloni and Modern Argentine Football

Discussing the current state of the national team, Calderón praised Lionel Scaloni’s tactical leadership and management of an experienced Lionel Messi. Infobae reported that Calderón described Scaloni by stating, “Scaloni es Bilardo y Menotti juntos.” Calderón credited César Luis Menotti as an influence on his career for expanding his tactical vision, while noting that he remains largely detached from active coaching due to various factors.