Diego Placente, the coach of Argentina’s Under-20 national team, has made significant strides in his relatively short tenure, which began on November 26, 2024, when he took over from Javier Mascherano. Under his leadership, a group of young athletes, who consider themselves a ‘family,’ has not only honed their skills through extensive training at the Lionel Andrés Messi facility in Ezeiza but has also forged a strong team spirit. This dedicated approach has helped them win their first five matches at the ongoing U-20 World Cup in Chile, positioning them as contenders for their seventh title in this category.
Placente’s innovative coaching style includes a thoughtful nod to the past amid today’s fast-paced digital culture. He presented each of the 21 players selected for the tournament with a journal featuring an inspiring cover illustration by El Niño Rodríguez, which reads, “Primero lo crees. Después lo creas” (First you believe it. Then you create it). This gesture is aimed at encouraging the players to reflect on their identities and experiences beyond the spotlight.
His wife, Juli Rubinstein, shared details of Placente’s unique gifts via Instagram, which included a book of football stories compiled during the previous U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, titled “Juego como Leo,” a tribute to the legendary Lionel Messi. Rubinstein’s heartfelt comments highlight Placente’s desire for his players to maintain humility and a sense of self-awareness.
In addition to these thoughtful gifts, Placente’s methodology builds on a legacy initiated by coach José Néstor Pekerman over three decades ago, emphasizing personal development as well as athletic performance. This approach includes elements from intensive training sessions with professional educators, fostering not just players, but well-rounded individuals.
As Argentina prepares to face Colombia in the semi-finals, they will do so without key players Maher Carrizo, who has reached the limit of yellow cards, and Valente Pierani due to injury. Similarly, Colombia will be missing standout striker Neiser Villarreal and defender Carlos Sarabia, both of whom are suspended.
This match will mark the third meeting between Argentina and Colombia in a U-20 World Cup, recalling their historical encounters in 2003 and 2005. As the tournament progresses, Placente’s commitment to developing talented young players both on and off the pitch continues to shine, providing hope for future successes not just in results, but in the character and maturity of these young athletes.