Liverpool fans are only just discovering Lionel Scaloni's role in historic Reds moment

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Liverpool's history has been interlinked with that of Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina, way back in his playing days when he featured for West Ham.Lionel Scaloni played a huge role in a piece of Liverpool history(Image: (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images))Lionel Scaloni is most famous for his time as Argentina manager, guiding his nation to the World Cup trophy in 2022 before almost repeating the feat in 2026.The 48-year-old was a name not familiar to many before his time with the Albiceleste, with his coaching resume only featuring time with the national team's under-20s before he took over the senior team role in 2018.While he is now something of a household name, Scaloni did have a respectable playing career before he made his way into the history books of soccer coaches. The Argentine enjoyed a 20-year professional career as a right-back, which started with Newell's Old Boys in 1995 and ended with a spell at Atalanta in 2015.In the time between that, Scaloni is best known for his time at Deportivo La Coruna, where he made over 200 appearances, as well as a stint at Lazio.What is perhaps forgotten, however, is a loan spell with Premier League outfit West Ham United back in 2006, joining in January for the remainder of the season.While it was a short and perhaps somewhat forgettable spell for the Argentina manager, there was a moment where he indirectly became a part of Liverpool's history in the process.Scaloni featured for West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final against the Reds, which his side were leading 3-2 heading into stoppage time in the match.Steven Gerrard scored a crucial equalizer for Liverpool in the FA Cup final(Image: (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images))While silverware appeared to be there for the Hammers, Scaloni's sliced clearance in the final moments of the game found Steven Gerrard, who recycled possession before eventually unleashing an almighty strike.It's a goal that is remembered fondly by Liverpool fans, as it saved the team from defeat as they eventually pushed on to win the final via a penalty shootout.While it is often replayed regularly due to the importance of the goal as well as the quality on display, Scaloni's part in it is often forgotten.It was the full-back's last appearance with West Ham, as he failed to agree a permanent switch, with a move to Racing Santander following the campaign coming to a close.After his spell with the London club, Scaloni went on to feature for Lazio, Mallorca, and Atalanta too, before eventually calling time on his career.As a player, he won four trophies, all in his time with Deportivo La Coruna, ending his time with plenty of appearances but not quite the success seen from those at the top end of the game.His time in management has been restricted to just the Argentina job, but it's fair to say that no one will forget his time with the national team as he ponders his future after the World Cup final defeat.