Lionel Scaloni signed a contract extension with the Argentina national team on Thursday, committing his future to the albiceleste through 2030, Observador reported.
The agreement locks in the manager for the next cycle, covering the upcoming World Cup tournament. Scaloni guided Argentina to the world title in Qatar in 2022 and a runner-up finish later.
“É um dia muito especial para a toda a família do futebol argentino, vamos comunicar a continuidade de Lionel Scaloni à frente da equipa técnica da seleção argentina,” said Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), during a press conference.
Tapia announced the continuation of the coaching staff alongside the manager himself. Scaloni pointed to mutual alignment within the federation and squad regarding the decision.
Scaloni and Aimar prepare for the 2030 World Cup
Pablo Aimar, the former Benfica midfielder and international player, continues as part of the coaching staff alongside Scaloni.
“Era esta a vontade de todos,” Scaloni said, thanking the AFA for the trust placed in his staff as they look toward the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
The Argentine Football Association highlighted the technical team’s trajectory since 2018 on its official channels. That tenure reached its peak during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France 4–2 on penalties following a 3–3 draw.
Trophy record under Scaloni
Beyond the global title in Qatar, Scaloni’s resume includes two Copa América titles won in 2021 and 2024. He also secured the intercontinental Finalissima in 2022 by defeating European champion Italy.
The federation’s announcement also acknowledged the transition following the international retirement of Lionel Messi. Messi concluded his career with the national team in August at the age of 39.
Following that era, Scaloni led the squad to a second-place finish at the World Cup, where Argentina fell 1–0 to Spain after extra time.
