Scaloni Makes Two Big Announcements at Once
September 26, 2026 ·
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach, signaled his willingness to extend his contract which expires this December, after many players supported him to continue coaching.
Scaloni Makes Two Big Announcements at Once
According to Mundodeportivo.
Background
Lionel Scaloni has led Argentina to great success, including the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América. With his contract expiring, the decision to extend the contract will be a crucial step in maintaining team stability and continuing the legacy that has been built, especially after the Lionel Messi era.
Why this is important
Lionel Scaloni's decision to open contract extension negotiations is very important for the future of the Argentine national team. With the support of key players such as Cristian Romero, who is now captain after the retirement of Lionel Messi, Scaloni's continued leadership can influence the team's performance in future competitions.
Main Points
- Scaloni Makes Two Big Announcements at Once.
- Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach, indicated his willingness to extend his contract which expires this December, after many players supported him to continue coaching.
- Scaloni hace dos grandes revelaciones de una tacada.
Lionel Scaloni, coach of the Argentine national team, who previously hinted that his tenure might end after defeat in the World Cup final, has now expressed a willingness to negotiate an extension to his contract which expires in December. In a press conference held after training at the national team's training complex in Ezeiza, Scaloni said: "We will talk; there is a desire to sit down and discuss."
This statement came ahead of friendly matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benín. Scaloni emphasized, "Of course there is a desire to stay here, but there are many aspects that we need to discuss with the President of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia."
Scaloni's statement came after several players, including new captain Cristian Romero, publicly requested that Scaloni continue to coach the team. Romero took over as captain following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. Scaloni, considered the architect of the most successful period in Argentine football history, has guided his team to the 2022 World Cup title as well as two Copa América wins in 2021 and 2024.
"I will speak with Tapia in the next few days. This is a dream come true, but that doesn't mean I have to stick to this position forever. There are several conditions that we need to discuss with the president and we will see if we can reach an agreement," Scaloni added.
When asked whether the contract extension depended on economic or sporting factors, Scaloni replied, "A little bit of both."
Argentina is scheduled to face Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, Córdoba, before facing Burkina Faso and Benín on October 3 and 6 at the Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires. The match against Benín will be a landmark moment as Messi, at 39, will play in his final game for the national team after announcing his retirement from international football at the end of August. Scaloni expressed his gratitude, "For me, coaching him was an extraordinary experience. This is a dream. I have said it, and I will say it all my life. There will be no one like him."
"It's very rare for a player like that to appear, not only because of what he does on the pitch, but also because of everything he says off the pitch. Let's enjoy this moment," concluded Scaloni with a statement full of emotion.
What happened next
Scaloni is scheduled to speak with the President of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia, in the next few days. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether Scaloni will continue to lead Argentina in friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benín, as well as future international competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Lionel Scaloni announce?
Lionel Scaloni announced his willingness to negotiate an extension to his contract which expires in December.
Who asked Scaloni to continue coaching the team?
Cristian Romero, the new captain of the Argentine national team, has openly asked Scaloni to continue coaching the team.
Why is Scaloni announcing this now?
Scaloni's remarks came ahead of friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benín.
What does Scaloni need to discuss with the President of the Argentine Football Association?
Scaloni stated that there were many aspects that needed to be discussed with the President of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia, regarding his contract extension.
What are Scaloni's considerations for contract extension?
Scaloni said that the contract extension depended on economic and sporting factors.