Buenos Aires is preparing for an October farewell at the Monumental, where Lionel Messi is due to make his final appearance for Argentina on 6 October against Benin. Yet as one Lionel nears the end of an era in the sky-blue shirt, the other may be preparing to extend his own: Lionel Scaloni is close to agreeing fresh terms to remain Argentina coach.
Scaloni’s position appeared uncertain after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain on 19 July. The 48-year-old from Pujato, visibly affected after the loss, said he needed to speak with Argentine Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia before deciding his future. His existing deal runs until December, and he questioned whether anything could surpass what the team had already achieved.
In the weeks since, with the disappointment of the final given some distance, discussions have moved towards an extension. The proposed agreement would keep Scaloni in charge for another two years, through the 2028 Copa América, with an option for a further two-year period that would cover the 2030 World Cup.
It would preserve the coach who has overseen Argentina’s most decorated modern cycle. Scaloni took over in August 2018, replacing Jorge Sampaoli after Argentina’s 4-3 last-16 defeat by France at the 2018 World Cup. He arrived without prior senior managerial experience, but led the national side to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima against Italy and the 2022 World Cup.
The current squad has made clear its desire for continuity as it gathers at Ezeiza. Atlético centre-back Cristian “Cuti” Romero said he hoped Scaloni would stay, describing the coach as the key figure behind the construction of the present Argentina team.
Nico Paz, the Como player who made his international debut under Scaloni, echoed that sentiment. “He gave me my debut and I hope he remains,” he said.
Argentina’s immediate programme begins with Bolivia on 30 September, followed by Burkina Faso on 3 October and Benin three days later. The final fixture has added significance beyond the result: at River Plate’s stadium, Messi is set to say goodbye to the national team, while Scaloni’s new chapter could be taking shape around him.
