AFA bets on Scaloni with emotional video after 2026 World Cup final loss

The Argentina national team released an emotional video to convince Lionel Scaloni to continue leading the team after the 1-0 defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final (19-07-2026). The message, shared on social media, reviews the achievements of the cycle and suggests that "there are more chapters to write".

What does the AFA video say?

The video begins with a rhetorical question: "If someone had told you in 2018 that a certain Scaloni would give us the best Argentina team in history, would you have believed them?" It then reviews the milestones of the cycle, such as the 2021 Copa América, the Finalissima, and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, highlighting the team's transformation under his leadership. It also mentions the recent performance in the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final after epic comebacks.

Why is Scaloni's continuity crucial?

The coach took over in 2018 on an interim basis and built the most successful cycle in the team's history. However, his contract expires on December 31, and although he has not made a final decision, he has already expressed his intention to "cut ties". The AFA wants to retain him to maintain the structure of a team that could lose key players like Lionel Messi, Nicolás Otamendi, and Emiliano Martínez.

What's next for the Argentina national team?

The team's future is uncertain. Messi, 39, has not yet spoken about his retirement, while Otamendi has already confirmed he will not return. Dibu Martínez and Leandro Paredes are also evaluating their future. The AFA's video seems to be an invitation not only for Scaloni but also for the players who have not yet decided their future.