‘The desire is there’: Scaloni nears Argentina extension
Lionel Scaloni is close to extending his stay as Argentina head coach, with a new deal that could carry the national team to the 2030 World Cup, as the Albiceleste prepare for life without the retired Lionel Messi.
His current contract runs out on December 31. After Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain on July 19, Scaloni hinted he might step down, before meeting Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia to discuss the way forward.
“The important thing is that the desire is there,” Scaloni said.
He explained that he needed time to step back after the final and weigh the financial and sporting sides of a new agreement, before concluding that a shared outlook on the future had brought both parties together.
Speaking after the 3-0 win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium, which doubled as Messi’s farewell, he praised the departing captain.
“There will never be anything like it on the pitch, and we are eternally grateful to him.” On his own future, he said only that there were no updates yet.
Scaloni also pointed to the squad’s appetite as a reason for optimism. Not one player called up for this international window turned down the invitation, which he described as a strong sign that Argentina can compete with anyone and keep performing at the highest level.
Should he sign, Scaloni will become the first coach in Argentina’s history to lead the side through three World Cup cycles. The 2030 tournament will be co-hosted by Argentina, adding extra weight to a project built on continuity.
His record since taking charge in 2018 supports the case. He has overseen 104 matches, winning 80, drawing 14 and losing 10, a win rate of almost 77 per cent that is the highest of any Argentina coach.
The 48 year old ended the country’s long wait for silverware with the 2021 Copa America, then added the 2022 World Cup and Finalissima, followed by the 2024 Copa America. No other Argentina coach has won both the World Cup and the Copa America.
Attention is now turning to his backroom team, particularly assistant Walter Samuel, who is reported to be considering leaving in December to begin a head coaching career at a European club.
Scaloni has been open about wanting to keep him. “The door is open for him,” he said.
“If that happens, it will be a huge loss for us.” He described Samuel as extremely important and a good friend.
Samuel is approaching eight years on the staff and has been part of the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America triumphs, alongside a third place finish at the 2019 Copa America.