Buenos Aires is moving towards continuity after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, with Lionel Scaloni close to agreeing a new deal that could keep him in charge through the next major international cycle.
Key takeaways
- Scaloni’s current Argentina contract expires at the end of this year.
- The proposed agreement would run until the 2028 Copa América.
- An option for a further two years could extend his spell to the 2030 World Cup.
- Argentina have three friendlies ahead, ending with Lionel Messi’s farewell match against Benin.
- Scaloni has recorded 76 wins in 104 matches as national-team coach.
A decision after the final
The Argentine Football Association has advanced negotiations with Scaloni in recent weeks, bringing a renewal closer after uncertainty followed the World Cup final.
Spain won that final, and Scaloni became emotional afterwards as he considered his future. He said then that he would remain in post until year’s end before discussing his situation with AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia.
The offer now on the table is for an initial two-year term, taking Argentina to the 2028 Copa América. It would also contain an option for another two years, potentially carrying the coach into the 2030 World Cup.
A farewell sequence for Messi
Before any new contract is formally completed, Scaloni will oversee Argentina’s next three friendlies: Bolivia on the 30th, Burkina Faso on the 3rd, and Benin on the 6th.
The meeting with Benin is set to be Lionel Messi’s goodbye appearance for Argentina, giving the forthcoming international window a significance beyond the usual post-tournament fixtures.
Across 104 games at the helm, Scaloni has led Argentina to 76 victories, alongside 18 draws and 10 defeats. The proposed extension would give the AFA a route to retain the coach into a new era, even as Messi prepares to step away.
