Argentina coach Mario Ledesma’s outpouring of emotion melts hearts

Argentina’s coach was overcome with emotion after his team pulled off the upset of the year against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Mario Ledesma was overcome with emotion

Argentina pulled off the historic upset when they took down New Zealand on Saturday night, recording a 25-15 victory.

The victory is the first time the Pumas have ever beaten the All Blacks, making it the 30th time lucky.

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It will go down as one of the upsets of the year and came after they raced away to a 16-3 halftime lead. The rugby world couldn’t quite believe what was unfolding as the Pumas made the All Blacks look second rate in the first half.

As the celebrations kicked off following the final horn, it was a moment in the coaches box that stole the limelight.

Coach Mario Ledesma was overcome with emotion after his team pulled off the historic victory and let it all out in the box.

The moment, captured by the broadcast cameras, quickly whipped around social media with fans loving the outpouring of emotion.

“This is beautiful,” sports journalist Andy McGeady wrote.

SMH rugby reporter Tom Decent wrote: “Wow. Ledesma … one of the truly good guys in world rugby.”

Mario Ledesma takes a moment. #NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/WYdc5ofTif

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) November 14, 2020

After the game Ledesma fronted the media and once again he struggled to keep his emotions in check as he praised his players for how they responded after having not played in 402 days.

“Unreal, unreal – surreal. After everything that happened this year,” Ledesma said before stepping away to compose himself.

“If I tell you what this means I won’t be able to talk. The guys work so hard in these conditions.

“We have been through hell and sometimes even mistreated and the boys just kept ticking, working and making efforts.

“Just staying positive with everything that is going on, which in itself is already a lot.

“And then coming out here and playing the game that they played, it is just incredible.

“Just so proud of them.’’

Super Mario 😢👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/NRrws97Ky6

— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram) November 14, 2020

The outpouring of emotion from the man who has been in charge of the Pumas since 2018 led to a flood of praise from those watching on.

Rugby write Jack De Menezes wrote: “Things you love to see: Mario Ledesma full-on blubbing”.

SMH’s Tom Decent wrote: “Pressers are done and we can still hear the Argies going absolutely bananas outside. Warms the heart. Mario Ledesma comes into media conference with tears in eyes”.

Fellow SMH writer Iain Payten wrote: “Mario Ledesma deserved that a million times over. First Pumas coach to beat the All Blacks. Great man and a great mentor”.

The Pumas released a video on the day of the game showing how they had dealt with the coronavirus pandemic and remained in shape.

Fuimos capaces de hacer esto y mucho más. Somos capaces de honrar la camiseta de @lospumas. #PorLaVuelta#VamosLosPumas pic.twitter.com/bxkkY9h2Pu

— Los Pumas (@lospumas) November 13, 2020