Argentina is set to face Brazil in the World Cup final in Uzbekistan. This marks the third consecutive final appearance for the Albiceleste. Matías Raúl Lucuix has been a part of all of them—not as a player, as many expected, but as an assistant coach or selector. An injury, described as resembling a motorcycle accident, diverted him from his original path. Leading to a three-year struggle before he returned to the bench, where he now shines.
The Dream Shattered
Those who witnessed his playing days recall his extraordinary talent developed in the pastures of Buenos Aires, coupled with a dazzling elegance that took him from River Plate to Caja Segovia at age 22. Where he played alongside his mentor, Diego Giustozzi. Before that, he had turned down offers from Italy and met another significant figure in his life, his coach Miguel Rodrigo, in the iconic Pedro Delgado pavilion. After defeating France in the semifinals on Thursday, he expressed his gratitude towards the Spanish coach. Who is currently facing FIFA sanctions for comments on the match between France and Iran, saying, “I want to send him my regards because he has been a role model for me, and this victory will make him very happy. The world of futsal deserved this victory.”
His four years in the city of Acueducto propelled him to the global elite. Culminating in his appointment by Movistar Inter to lead a new era. The Madrid team was struggling and needed a star, and Matías was the chosen one. After a fierce competition with Barça, the sensation of the National Futsal League had just begun to rise. YouTube already showcased an extensive collection of videos featuring the Argentine player, often referred to as the ‘Messi’ of futsal. Mati’s skill illuminated the Inter squad, and he aimed to guide Argentina in the 2012 World Cup in Thailand.
The Injury
However, on November 8, 2012, during the last group-stage match against Australia at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, disaster struck. Having already scored a brilliant goal, Mati attempted to steal the ball from Tobias Seeto, who inadvertently injured him. As the game’s spectators, Movistar Inter’s general director Julio García Mera and sports director Jesús Clavería, sat stunned. They knew the injury was serious, but they never imagined it would mark the beginning of an early end for their star. “His leg suffered a catastrophic injury, more typical of a motorcycle accident than a futsal game,” Julio García Mera recalled.
José María García wasted no time, arranging for Matías to be flown from Bangkok to Madrid. Where he was met by Dr. Pedro Guillén, who performed surgery for multiple fractures in his leg. “This type of injury is rare in sports like futsal and is typically seen in contact sports,” said Dr. Guillén, noting the severity of Mati’s injuries. The procedure involved the implantation of plates and screws to restore leg functionality.
Recovery
During his long recovery, which extended far beyond the initial estimate of ten months, Matías struggled with two additional surgeries. He spent more time with physiotherapist José Prieto than with his teammates. At just 27 years old, he announced his retirement on November 10, 2015. Stating, “I share my decision to stop playing professionally and dedicate myself to new sporting projects.” While Movistar Inter held out hope for his return, the team needed a star and subsequently signed Ricardinho in September 2013. This decision left Mati feeling frustrated, as he never got to share the court with his teammate. “The sport loses a genius, a champion, and a fighter, but gains a model player and an example of a crack,” his peers remarked.
In January 2016, his mentor Diego Giustozzi appointed him as assistant coach for the Argentina National Team, also overseeing the Under-19 team. On October 1 of that year, the Albiceleste triumphed over Russia (5-4) in the final, breaking the longstanding dominance of Spain and Brazil. This victory was so significant that the Buenos Aires Legislature proposed a bill to recognize this date as Futsal Day. Matías expressed his gratitude and resilience on social media, writing, “Sport and life always give you revenge! Thank you, Diego Giustozzi.”
Coaching Career
In 2018, ElPozo Murcia encouraged Giustozzi to step up to the First Division, making Matías the obvious choice to succeed him. The transition wasn’t easy, marked by some losses, but in the 2021 World Cup in Lithuania, Argentina only lost the title in the final against Portugal (1-2). Despite the defeat, Matías reflected on the experience, noting, “In sports, difficult moments lead you to ask ‘Why me?’ But during this World Cup, I found myself again; I felt the need to be in those places that had brought me so much joy. I am fulfilled and grateful for what this sport provides and the privilege of representing my country.”
As the Humo Arena in Tashkent prepares for another South American classic, Argentina will once again face their continental rival Brazil for a title, reminiscent of the Copa América on February 11. Matías remarked, “The Argentine team has often been undervalued, often dismissed as ‘lucky,’ but three consecutive finals are no coincidence. It reflects our hard work, dedication, perseverance, and respect for a team that has been doing things right for years.” He concluded, “Despite the ups and downs, we’ve overcome challenges and gained strength.”
