Contract until 2030: Scaloni remains loyal to Argentina

Lionel Scaloni remains Argentina’s national team manager and is set to lead the Albiceleste to a third consecutive Copa América title. This contract extension has dispelled any remaining doubts that arose over the summer.

The images following the lost World Cup final had clearly left a lasting impression, and not just in Argentina. National coach Lionel Scaloni had been overcome by his emotions after the 0–1 defeat to Spain and consequently cut short the press conference. Scaloni left his personal future open.

“I am grateful that I was allowed to be the manager of this team, that I am allowed to sit here today in this place, a place that many would have wished for,” Scaloni explained at the time, in tears. “My job is wonderful; it is the dream job I could never have imagined in my life.” Words that sounded more like a farewell than a commitment to stay.

In Argentina, concerns began to mount about the successful manager’s future. Yet in recent weeks, there had been increasing indications that the successful partnership would continue beyond 31 December 2026.

The first manager to win three World Cups with Argentina?

Final confirmation came on Thursday at the press conference ahead of the match against Uruguay (Saturday, midnight CET). The Argentine Football Association’s contract with the manager, who is still only 48, has been extended by a further four years until 2030. The clear objective is a hat-trick in the Copa América. In South America’s most important competition, the titles won in 2021 and 2024 are to be followed by another in 2028, before the focus shifts to the 2030 World Cup – which will feature a match in Argentina. Scaloni could then make a third bid for the World Cup – perhaps a second golden one?

“I have the same ambition and enthusiasm as on the very first day and am delighted to be able to carry on. I am grateful, and from now on a new chapter begins,” announced Scaloni, moved to tears, at the announcement. Should he see out his contract, he would also be the first manager in the history of the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) to lead Argentina at three World Cups.

Scaloni, who had previously served for more than a year as assistant manager under then-national manager Jorge Sampaoli, took charge of Argentina in August 2018 and led his country to the World Cup title in 2022 – a triumph longed for by more than just Lionel Messi. Four years later, the team reached the final in New Jersey, where Spain came out on top.