After making his debut for Argentina on 30 April 2003 in a friendly game with Libya, Scaloni was a surprise selection for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, taking the place of veteran Javier Zanetti who also played as a right wing-back.
Following his first appearance for Argentina on April 30, 2003, in a friendly game against Libya, Scaloni unexpectedly earned a spot on the 2006 FIFA World Cup roster, taking over from veteran Javier Zanetti who also played as a right wing-back.