The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has put a five-year renewal on the table for Lionel Scaloni, despite the Albiceleste's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The coach, who is contracted until mid-2027, is evaluating his future.
The AFA has already taken action. Shortly after Argentina's defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, the board reiterated its intention to renew Lionel Scaloni for five more seasons, until 2031. The offer, which includes a salary increase, aims to retain the coach who has taken the Albiceleste to the pinnacle of world football.
A dream cycle that doesn’t end
Scaloni, who took over in 2020, has won two World Cups and two Copa Américas, as well as a title in the Alcudia Tournament with the under-20 team. His record places him among the most successful coaches in history, but his current salary, of approximately 2.9 million dollars per year, is below what other top-level coaches usually earn. The AFA plans to match it.
Despite the defeat in the final, AFA president Claudio Tapia has privately expressed his desire for Scaloni to continue. Talks have already begun, and from the coach's camp, they claim the offer is tempting. However, Scaloni himself has reportedly expressed doubts about his future, according to close sources.
The dilemma of generational change
The main factor holding Scaloni back is the imminent generational change in the Argentine national team. Several key players, such as Messi, Di María, and Otamendi, may leave the team after the World Cup, which would necessitate a deep reconstruction. Scaloni believes that this process, combined with the wear and tear of recent years, may require new leadership.
The AFA, for its part, believes that Scaloni is the ideal person to lead that transition. The board values his ability to manage groups and his knowledge of the lower categories, where he has already worked. In fact, his coaching debut was with the Argentine under-20 team, where he won the Alcudia Tournament.
Meanwhile, there are no rumors of any other club or national team contacting Scaloni. His future, for now, is in the hands of the AFA and his own reflection. The coming weeks will be crucial to determine whether the coach accepts the renewal or decides to step aside.
For the Argentine fan, uncertainty is at its peak. Scaloni has become a symbol of the golden era of the Albiceleste, and whether he continues or not will mark the team's direction for the next World Cup cycle. The AFA hopes to finalize the agreement before the year ends.
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