Argentina Back Scaloni to Continue as National Team Coach Until 2030

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, during Wednesday’s Argentine Football Association (AFA) executive committee meeting, all members unanimously supported extending Lionel Scaloni’s tenure as Argentina national team head coach, describing it as the most glorious coaching cycle in the team’s history. Although Scaloni has previously indicated that he may step down after December, his contract is currently set to run until 2030.

When Scaloni revealed to La Gazzetta dello Sport that “I will coach until December, and after that it will probably come to an end,” his comments raised concerns among fans that he might leave his position as Argentina’s national team coach. However, the Argentine Football Association still hopes to keep him in charge and wants his statement of “it will probably end” to serve only as a negotiating position in contract discussions with the coach. Against this backdrop, the AFA executive committee once again expressed its full support for Scaloni and authorized President Claudio Tapia to begin negotiations over a contract extension.

Sources within the AFA headquarters believe that Scaloni remains the ideal candidate to lead Argentina into the next World Cup cycle. He fully understands the squad he has built and has already begun preparing for the transition between generations. This experience is extremely valuable, especially as the team is about to undergo major changes. The national team is expected to face a significant restructuring, with the leadership structure and post-Messi era identity set to gradually take shape. Thanks to widespread public support, Argentina’s championship achievements, and a mature team culture, Scaloni has earned the trust of the Argentine Football Association.

Despite previous statements suggesting he could leave, Scaloni has not completely ruled out the possibility of continuing. He wants to first conduct a self-assessment, ensure that the environment remains suitable for him to continue coaching, and also discuss several important issues with the club’s management before making a final decision.

The AFA made its position clear: today’s Scaloni is no longer the same coach who first took charge in early 2018, nor is he the same figure who signed his contract extension in 2024. His greatest achievement has been building this championship-winning team. After the end of the World Cup cycle, both the squad and the coaching staff agreed that even if some players undergo changes, they must continue maintaining the same standards and mindset. This is the key reason why Argentina hopes Scaloni will remain in charge.