Lionel Scaloni is set to decide his future as Argentina head coach before the November international window, with his current contract set to expire in December. The manager led his first training session in Ezeiza on Tuesday following the World Cup final, a session that included tactical work and ended with celebrations for AFA president Claudio Tapia's 59th birthday.
Argentina, who top their World Cup qualifying group with a perfect nine points from three games, are preparing for matches against Bolivia in Córdoba and friendlies against Burkina Faso and Benin at the Monumental, which will serve as Lionel Messi's farewell. Scaloni has expressed doubts about continuing after July's final loss to Spain, stating that "many things" need to happen for him to stay. Months later, the AFA is still awaiting his signal to begin renewal talks, though internal sentiment is more optimistic now than immediately after the tournament.
Unanimous squad support
Several players have publicly voiced their desire for Scaloni to continue. Defender Cristian Romero was emphatic: "He is the main responsible for building this team, so obviously we expect him to continue." Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez added that the decision lies with the coaching staff and that the squad will support whatever outcome. This unanimous backing is a key factor as Scaloni weighs the fatigue after eight years in charge and the energy required for new challenges, including the post-Messi era and the transition of several veteran players.
Scaloni recently attended the South American Games in Santa Fe to observe the Under-19 team, showing his engagement with the long-term project. The immediate aim after this year is the 2028 Copa América in the United States, followed by the 2030 World Cup, for which Argentina is already qualified as a host for an opening match.
Options on the table
The AFA is considering offering Scaloni a contract until 2028 with an option to extend for two further years, though a direct deal until 2030 with an exit clause after the continental tournament is also possible. The federation leadership prefers the former for flexibility. Scaloni will clarify his position in a press conference next Tuesday before the team travels to Córdoba. Meanwhile, the squad focuses on the match against Bolivia, a team they thrashed 6-0 in their last meeting in October 2024. Fans can check the team's full schedule on our fixtures page and the qualifying table on standings.
With Messi as the season's top scorer with 8 goals in 8 appearances, the Scaloni era has left an indelible mark. The final decision, which will shape Argentina's path for the coming years, is expected in the coming weeks.
The original report is at La Nacion AR Deportes
